William M. Humke
November 28, 1948 -
September 17, 2021
Oshkosh, WI

On September 17th, unexpectedly, the world lost our ray of light William M. Humke. Bill lived a passionate life with the love of family and friends. He was born in Whitefish Bay on November 28, 1948 and joined his life in marriage with Kathy Alfuth on October 6, 1990. They shared in the pursuit of good times, boat rides into the sunset and all the love that God gave them. Their son, William (Will) Humke, wife Kristine and the most precious gifts of all, grandchildren, Finn (6) and Toryn (5) brought so much love to his life.

Bill attended the University of Stevens Point where he made many lifelong friends. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service for 30 years and humbly said it was the greatest blue-collar job in the world. He worked a rural route and so enjoyed the people he worked with and the customers he delivered to.

He shared his sense of wonderment, love of nature, work ethic and breadth of knowledge with his son Willie. They spent long hours floating Wisconsin’s rivers and harnessing generations of experience. He relayed life lessons symbolically found along banks, eddies and slow deep channels. Those rivers ran through his veins and his bare feet were always grounded in the earth. He also shared that love with his grandchildren who adored him immensely. His youthful spirit naturally attracted them and on several occasions they all found their way into trouble: rough housing, sneaking away or working the cookie jar. A favorite treat for all of us was root-beer floats, especially on the beach in the Florida Keys.

He was equally at home in crowds lightening the mood with his quick wit and humor. His jovial spirit was a magnet for fun times. He lived a life of infinite goodwill toward his loved ones, strangers and the environment. It was likely on any given day, he would have helped someone who lost their way, was struggling with a broken car, needed his “grunt” labor or could be found nursing a baby bird back to health.

Bill is survived by his older brother, Paul Humke (Bonnie), brother and sister-in-laws Rich Groschel (Sandy), Steve Groeschel (Mary), Cindy Engebretson and T.J. Alfuth (Michelle) and many sweet nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place next summer at his lake home, for family and friends to celebrate just as he would have wanted……the lake and his garden were so very special to him.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com

Our classmate, Jack Zielger, is scheduled for a long awaited kitney transplant.  Click on this Go Fund Me link to read the story. Thanks for any help you may offer.