Willard Holland “Bill” O’Rourke, age 76 of New Richmond WI, died on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood MN. Bill was born June 1, 1940 in Detroit MI to parents Willard H. and Henrietta (Klinger) O’Rourke. Bill was proud member of the United States Navy, where he served his country honorably as a submariner aboard the USS Corporal SS-346. After an honorable discharge, Bill continued his education at Wayne State University where he previously attended before entering the Navy.  He enjoyed a career in sales with United States Steel Corporation for 25 years in Michigan and then at Sherwin- Williams Company in Petoskey, MI until he retired and moved to New Richmond, WI.  

In 1981 Bill reconnected with his teenage sweetheart, Ann Pentz, and they were united in marriage on April 2, 1984. They would enjoy almost 36 years together before his passing. Bill enjoyed wild game bird hunting with his hunting dog Jason, deer hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a member and part of the volunteer staff at the New Richmond Community Center. Bill was proud to be a member of the United States Submarine Veterans, and was a member of their Holland Club.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ann Elizabeth O’Rourke; his daughter, Daneen (Terence) Barnett-Johnston; grandchildren, Murphy Barnett Johnston, and MacKenzie Leona Johnston; sister-in-law Alexis nee Pentz (James) Gibson, as well as other relatives and good friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred; and a daughter, Margaret “Bunnie” Barnett.

A Memorial Service honoring the life of Bill O’Rourke will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1901 Vine Street in Hudson, WI. Military honors will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring the memory of Willard H. “Bill” O’Rourke may be directed to the either/or HHS STRIVE program or HHS Choral Department c/o Principal Shoemaker, Hudson High School,1501 Vine Street, Hudson WI 54016, American Heart Association or Biden Foundation for cancer research.