William "Bill" G. Mick

William “Bill” G. Mick, of Cazenovia, WI, died at The Richland Hospital on Friday, December 15, 2023. He was born on September 18, 1929, son of Gale and Georgia Winifred (Towne) Mick. As the second born (first male) of 11 children, and losing his father very early in life, Bill was seen by many as the patriarch of the Mick family. He graduated from Cazenovia High School. His patriotism started early, as he signed up for the ARMY promptly after graduation, wanting to do his part during the Korean War. While he intended on serving his country on the front lines, early military testing demonstrated his intelligence and he was instead trained to serve as a carpenter. He trained at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and was sent to Guam to support the war effort. After 4 years of military service, Bill decided to pursue his true passion of farming with his brother, Ross, working for a large farm near Eagle, WI. It didn’t take the brothers long before they knew farming would be their lifelong calling. They returned to Rockbridge, WI, where they built Mick Bros. Farms. At its zenith, the brothers farmed nearly 1,000 acres, at a time when the mega-farm did not yet exist. In 1981, tragedy struck when Bill’s brother and business partner (Ross) was electrocuted in a farming accident. In 1982, in memory of his brother, Bill donated land for the development of Mick Memorial Park, in Hub City, WI. Bill’s favorite social activity was attending softball games at the park during their annual celebration. He continued to farm with the help of family, but he always admitted it never meant as much to him after the death of his brother. An accident of his own forced Bill to take a short leave from his farm. He chose to recover near friends and became a tax assessor in Durand, Illinois. During his recovery, he met and married Rae Jean (Buss). After being a bachelor for over 50 years, it was a surprise to everyone when he returned to the farm in summer of 1983 with a wife and 5 children. While a readymade family may have, at times, presented more challenges than he would have preferred, he never wavered in his commitment to them. Finally retiring from the farm in 1994, he never slowed down until his death. He filled his time with gardening, reading, and woodworking, creating memorable pieces showcased in the homes of many of his family and friends. He’d help with remodel projects, electrical wiring, sewer mishaps, yard work, farm work, roof work, welding, mechanical work, etc……. No job was too small, too large, nor beneath him. He simply loved to work, and found it to be his purpose in this life, until he could no longer do so. His ambition was only surpassed by his humility. He talked with such pride of the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids, but describe his own as “the actions of any man”. Though he couldn’t recognize it, we all know what a special man, Bill “Papa” Mick really was…..Son, Soldier, Farmer, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and so much more! Survivors include his sister- Barb (Jim) Spencer of Richland Center, WI, brother- Warren (Ruth) Mick of Richland Center, WI. 5 children, Kenalyn (Jerry) Hyland of Belvidere, IL, Greg (Carmela) Koch of Sauk City, WI, Jarrod (Tammy) Koch of Cassville, WI, Anissa Koch (Jim Anderson) of Richland Center, WI, Chas (Katie) Burnley of Richland Center, WI. 14 grandchildren; Angelyn Grable, Sarah Moore, Nathan Hyland, Heather Strautz, Shannon Laux, Andrew Koch, Stephanie Hafez, Joshua Koch, Ethan Koch, Emma Koch, Caleb Koch, Sophia Laganiere, Megan Burnley and William Burnley and 21 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Sisters- Betty, Carmen, Katherine, Edith, Marilyn, Brothers- Ross, Leonard, Lester, Wife- Rae Jean Mick Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, starting at 11 AM, at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center, WI, with Pastor Diana Lucas officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Clary Memorial Funeral Home from 9 AM until the time of services. The local military honors unit will provide military graveside rites in the Rockbridge Cemetery. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .

William "Bill" G. Mick

September 18, 1929 - December 15, 2023