William R. Way, age 66, of Hudson, died on May 6, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. 

Bill was born on January 18, 1945 to Robert and Ruth (Mauel) Way in Tigerton, Wisconsin.  Bill graduated from Tigerton High School – class of 1963.  He went on to college at UW Stevens Point where he majored in Business Administration.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1967.  From 1968 to 1970, Bill served in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne.  He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his service as a Platoon Sergeant during the Vietnam War.  Upon completion of his tour of duty, he traveled to Europe to begin his career in the Hotel Industry, beginning as a Concierge at the Vier Jahreszeiten Hotel in Munich, Germany.  Bill went on to manage hotels in Chicago, Madison, Keokuk, IA, and Miami, Florida.  In 1976, Bill joined the faculty at UW Stout as a Professor in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.  At the same time he earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from UW Stout.  He retired from teaching in 2006 but continued to work as a Hotel and Restaurant Consultant until his time of death.

Bill enjoyed camping, reading, and playing with his dogs, Chester and Bear.  Bill also enjoyed traveling with his mother, brother and sister to such destinations as Nashville, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Ireland.  His favorite times, however, were those spent with his children, Samantha and Will.  He was a devoted father and was always supportive and active with their school activities and individual hobbies.

Bill is survived by his children, Samantha and Will Way of Hudson, mother, Ruth Way of McFarland, WI, sister, Jane (John) Swanke of Shawano, WI, brother, Joseph (Anne) Way of McFarland, WI, former wife, Erika Way of Hudson as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his father, Robert Way and grandparents, William and Alice (Brady) Way and Ben and Laura (Papendorf) Mauel. 

Funeral services for Bill will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson at 12 o’clock in the afternoon.  A Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services at the church as well as on Wednesday, May 11, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home from 5-7pm.  Burial will be held on Monday, May 16, at 11:30 at Union Cemetery in Tigerton, WI.  In lieu of flowers memorials given will be designated for a scholarship fund for Bill’s children.  Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson. 715-386-3725