William Thomas Reynolds was born on 25. Oct. 1918 at Marietta Twp., Crawford County, Wisconsin. He was the son of
George Oliver Reynolds and
Margaret McKnight. William Thomas Reynolds served in th 44th Battalion, 4 th Infantry Divison during WWII. He died on 2. Sep. 2004 at Prairie du Chien, Crawford County, Wisconsin, at age 85.
Wm. T. Reynolds
A beautiful Christian and military service was held in honor of William T. Reynolds, beloved husband and father, 85, rural Boscobel, who died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004 at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital.
He was born Oct. 25, 1918 in Marietta Township, Crawford County, in the Reynolds homestead house, the third son of George and Margaret (McKnight) Reynolds. In his early childhood he enjoyed the companionship of his three brothers, Gaylord, Kemeth and Raymond and special cousins, Loyd Thomas and Eleanor McKnight.
Bill accepted Jesus into his heart while a little boy while laying in bed at night listening to his mother Maggie playing the old-fashioned pump organ and singing beautiful hymns. He married Freda Zajicek on Feb. 6, 1948 at the Methodist Church in Boscobel. They were blessed with three children, Janeen, Jane and Larry.
He graduated from the Boscobel High School in 1938 where he was captain of the football team, sang in chorus, and was in forensics. He attended college at Platteville for two years and taughts school in 1940 and was drafted in the Army. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Bill was sent overseas. He served the Artillery, the 44th Battalion, the 4th Infantry Division in the European Theater. He was assigned where he computed firing data for the battery. he made the D-day landing, going on shore four hours after the initial landing. He received battle stars for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe; the Bronze Service Arrowhead; and many other citations and decorations. During his time in England his battalion was reviewed by Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower.
After the war, William returned to school and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. While at Platteville, he was one of two students receiving special honors in Rural Education. He spent two years working toward a Master's degreeat the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He continued to teach until 1972. He had the unique experience of teaching his future wife, his three children and many nieces and nephews.
Bill started the Maple Ridge Go-Getters 4-H Club in 1951 and was the leader for 18 years. He was an active member of the Farmers Union and also led the youth in this organization. He received medals for his years as 4-H leader and was publicly honored at the Crawford County Fair. He received an award of Merit for outstanding accomplishments in Resource Conservation in 1988 from Crawford County and for Outstanding Conservation Farmer in 1988 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 for "enriching the lives of his fellow man and serving as an example for others." He also served as Supervisor on the Marietta Town Board for 12 years and received an award of Appreciation for dedicated service.
He was a Charter member of Maple Ridge Bible Church which he helped plan and build. He was know [sp] for his generosity and always had an open hand when it came to giving money and materials. He furnished many of the huge trees that went into the support beams of the Sanctuary of the church. He served as church secretary for 20 years and treasurer for two years.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Freda, his children, daughters, Janeen (Daniel) Derrickson, Muscoda; Jane (Percy Werthwein, La Crosse; son, Larry Reynolds, Bagley; Grandchildren: Grant Reynolds, Holly Reynolds (Jason Buchen), Shana Derrickson (Dennis Chappel) and Joelle Derrickson; great-grandchildren: Dion, Shale, and Somerset Chappel; two sisters-in-law, Ilyf Reynolds and Martha Zajicek; numerous nieces and nephews; seven half-sister and two half-brothers; also a cousin Tom McKnight; half brothers and sisters: George (Ardyth) Reynolds, Ernest (Theresa) Reynolds, Beth (Philip) VanDyke, Lorraine (Gary) Weber, Lillian Larson, Mary Doyle, Ann (Delbert) Kroll, Joyce (Lyle) Fischer, and Rita (Donovan) Baumeister.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Maggie and three brothers, Gaylord, Kemeth [sp] and Raymond; a sister Bernice; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 4, at the Maple Ridge Bible Church. Pastor Noel Mayer officiated with burial int he Pioneer Cemetery, Crawford County. The Kendall Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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Reynolds, William T. BOSCOBEL -
William T. Reynolds, age 85, of rural Boscobel, passed away on Wednesday Sept. 1, 2004, at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, Prairie du Chien. He was born on Oct. 25, 1918 in Marietta Township, Crawford County, the son of George and Margaret (McKnight) Reynolds. He married Freda Zajicek on Feb. 6 1948, at the Methodist Church, Boscobel. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, and taught school in the Boscobel area for several years. He is survived by his wife, Freda of rural Boscobel, a son, Larry Reynolds of Bagley; two daughters, Janeen (David) Derrickson of Muscoda, Jane (Percy) Werthwein of La Crosse; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous half-brothers and half-sisters; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Gaylord, Kemeth and Raymond; along with a sister, Bernice.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday Sept. 4, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the MAPLE RIDGE BIBLE CHURCH, rural Boscobel, with Pastor Noel Mayes officiating. Burial in the Pioneer Cemetery Crawford County.
Friends may call on Saturday 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Kendall Funeral Service, Boscobel, is assisting the family.
Noted how he use to enjoy laying in bed listening to his mother Maggie play the Pump Organ
Graduated form Boscobel High School in 1938 where he was Captain of the Football Team.
Attended Plattville college for 2 years and taught school. Drafted into WWII and served in the artillary, the 4th Battalion, 4th Infantry in the Euopean Theater. Participated in D day, recieving batle awards for Normandy, Nothern France, Rhineland, Ardennes.
After the war and a BA from University of Wisconsin, Platteville, then two years on his Masters Degree.
He continued to teach until 1972 and had the experience of teaching his future wife, his sons and relatives like Rich Johnston.
Bill started the Maple Ridge 4H club.
He has been publically awarded numerous awards or recognitions. Served as Supervisor on Marietta Town board for 12 years.
He was buried on 4. Sep. 2004 at Pioneer Cemetery, Crawford County, Wisconsin.