William C. “Bill” Schreiner, age 86, an avid adventurer, with an insatiable curiosity for all things, left this world on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 to begin his next big journey.
Bill was born April 11, 1932 to John (Jack) and Norma (Bauernfeind) Schreiner in Sheboygan. He grew up in Sheboygan Falls and some of his fondest memories were of summers spent at the family cottage on Crystal Lake. He attended Sheboygan Falls High School and graduated in 1950 from Plymouth High School. He began his college career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1955, Bill was called up to the U.S. Navy where he honorably served until 1958. He then returned to the University of Wisconsin where he earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1960.
After graduating, Bill worked as an engineer for Caterpillar and covered the Maritime Provinces of Canada as a field engineer. Ever entreprenurial, he and his wife Char later owned a Team Electronics store and introduced high-end stereo equipment to the Green Bay market. On the side he renovated and flipped houses before flipping houses was a thing. In 1980 Bill joined Wisconsin Public Service as a Techical Applications Engineer and Marketing DIrector where he was president of the Blue Flame Council, a state-wide organization devoted to exploring natural gas as an alternative fuel source. In Sheboygan he was a Rotarian and member of SCEDC.
Bill married Charlotte Ruth Hannemann of Wausau, Wisconsin on December 1, 1956. Together they raised two children while Bill’s career took the family through Canada and the Midwest until 1985 when they finally settled in Sheboygan.
Bill was ever active and always willing to explore a new interest. He loved classical music, never missed the Sheboygan Symphony, and spent endless hours playing the classical guitar. Bill could frequently be found in the kitchen trying out a new sous-vide recipe, or sitting at the kitchen table taking apart some appliance for repair – even if it didn’t need it. Lake Michigan was another of his favorite haunts and he enjoyed windsurfing with his fellow windsurfers. When on land he fulfilled his need for speed in his 1966 Jaguar sporting his racing gloves and French beret. Sean Connery would have been envious. He never slowed down after he was unable to walk without assistance. He could be seen driving his electric scooter around the Sheboygan
downtown.
To further satisfy his adventurous spirit, Bill and Char visited Europe on many occasions, often through the Elderhostel organization. They particularly enjoyed Vienna and its musical heritage.
In addition to his wife, Charlotte, Bill is survived by two children, Erika L. (Herbert) Humke and Kurt E. (Jennifer) Schreiner both of Sheboygan; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Sara) Schreiner, Greta, Herbert IV “Chaz,”Marthe, and Konrad “Kip” Humke; Violet and Truman Radtke; one great-grandchild, Desmond J. Schreiner; and one sister, Patricia (James, deceased) Lutter. He is further survived by nieces and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Norma.
A private ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Beth Petzke. Friends and family are encouraged to join us for a celebration of Bill’s life on Sunday August 26, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Urbane (family business),
1231 North Eighth Street, Sheboygan
.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Bill’s name to support the Sheboygan Senior Community and the Salvation Army. Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit
www.ballhornchapels.com
to sign the guestbook.
