William F. Loughney, age 87, of Hudson, died surrounded by family on March 28, 2014 at the Christian Community Home.  Bill was born on August 6, 1926 to Mark and Frances (Fable) Loughney in Hudson, WI. He attended St. Patrick’s Parochial School prior to graduating from Hudson High School in 1944.

After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.  On June 20, 1953, Bill married the love of his life, Marie Emma Starr at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson. Together they raised a family on their cattle farm in Hudson Township; the family farmstead that Bill took over from his father.

After his family, Bill’s greatest love was horses. He raised and traded western and saddle horses, and was involved in local saddle clubs. As a farmer, Bill raised countless cattle and spent many hours on his tractors. He was a Knights of Columbus member for over 70 years, obtaining Third Degree status.  He was a proud fan of his beloved Green Bay Packers and enjoyed a good game of Euchre or 500 with friends.

As a man, Bill was very kind and considerate. He had a memory like no other, often telling stories of the past or recalling his various farming stories. Bill was always prepared to make you laugh with his dry sense of humor. As a father, Bill was tough but fair on his children, providing his family with everything they needed.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marie; children, Mark (Debby) of Hudson, Kathy (Jerry) Willemssen of Prior Lake, MN, John (Colleen) of Hudson, and Ann (Dick) Wier of Lake Elmo, MN; 9 grandchildren, William (Ashley), Brian (Heather), Robin (Mark), Heidi (Jon), Kyle (Jordan), Sean (Julia), Dan, Robert and Amanda; 7 great-grandchildren, Wilson, Liam, Finley, Payton, Max, Tyler and Sydney; siblings, Rita (Bob) Peterson, Mary, George (Patty), Bina (Jack) Wert, and Mark (Phyllis); many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Bill in death are his parents; infant son, George; sister, Nancy (Larry) Myers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 31, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson. Visitation will take place from 4-8pm on Sunday, March 30, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, and one hour prior to Mass at the Church. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery with his grandsons as active casket bearers and granddaughters as honorary casket bearers. Memorials Preferred.