William L. Thackray (Bill), 84, went home to be with his Savior, January 28, with his family by his side at
Rocky Knoll Health Care Facility.
Bill was born on December 19, 1935 to Burton and Erma (Sieber) Thackray of Greenbush, WI. He
graduated from Plymouth High School in 1954, and joined the United States Army, where was stationed
in New Orleans, and Germany, serving as an MP. Upon returning home, Bill started his grand farming
adventures.
Bill’s first farming endeavor was in the town of Plymouth, but for over 40 years he farmed in rural St.
Cloud. It was during these early farming years that he met Nancy Lenderman from Media, PA, who was
visiting her brother in Greenbush. They were married in July of 1963. After dairy farming took a toll on
his knees, he ventured into raising grass fed Beefalo and chickens, and opened a retail store on the farm.
He loved those years when customers came to the farm to buy healthy meat and other products. His
son, Brad, and daughter, Beth were very much a part of this venture and his grandchildren especially
enjoyed helping Grandpa in the store. Bill appreciated each and every customer, they became his
extended family and often he had articles written about him in various farm and local newspapers. Bill’s
ideas were ahead of the times, and unfortunately, his health deteriorated and he had to give up that
endeavor.
Bill was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Plymouth, WI where he served as deacon for many
years and hosted an annual fish boil with his wife, Nancy.
He is survived by his son, Brad Thackray of Plymouth; daughter, Beth Pyle (Ed) of Elkhart Lake; sisters,
Beverly (Dave) Niedzialkowski of Milwaukee; Diane (George) Sanchez of Greenbush; brother, James
(Dixie) Thackray of Lake Mills, WI; daughter- in- law Kara Thackray; grandchildren Ethan(Amanda) Pyle of
Phoenix, AZ; Jessica (Daniel) Booth of Roswell, GA; Jennifer Pyle of Brevard, NC and Brittny Thackray of
Sheboygan Falls, WI and Great-Granddaughter, Sophie.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, sons, Brett and Jeffrey.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 1223 Krumrey Street, Plymouth, WI on
Monday, February 3 at 5 pm with Rev. Andrew Whittenburg officiating. Visitation will be from 3 pm
until the time of service at 5 pm with a meal to follow at the church.
Bill’s entire family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness for the
entire staff at Rocky Knoll Healthcare Facility and especially those on 2 West who took such faithful care
of Bill. You all became family to him and made his 8 years there filled with joy.
Memorials in Bill’s name are appreciated.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wittkoppfcs.com
Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service of Plymouth is serving the family.
