Willard Testrake

Madison - Willard "Bill" Harvey TeStrake, age 70 of Madison Wisconsin, peacefully transitioned to the next world February 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born November 8, 1946 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the son of Harvey Donald and Margaret Louise (Wilson) TeStrake. He married his best friend SueAnne (Steckel) TeStrake May 19, 1973 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. They have been residents of Madison since 1971.

Bill is a 1964 graduate of Marshfield Senior High and his early college days were interrupted after being drafted into service. He spent 1966-1969 with the US Air Force, stationed in Thailand. He resumed college at UW Madison in 1970 where he majored in sociology, and was one semester short of earning his Bachelor of Science Degree. He used his people skills and this knowledge to assist him in his long career with the Madison Streets Division, first as a limited term employee working the patch crew, to eventual retirement after 35 years as Public Works Streets General Supervisor in 2002. He took pride in his job and in his ability to motivate others while earning the respect of the crews he supervised.

First and foremost Bill was a family man. He spent his free time just being with family and friends enjoying his man made backyard paradise, known as Club Ditch; he faithfully followed his Wisconsin Badgers, Packers, Brewers and enjoyed spending time playing softball with the Waltham Road Warriors. Another of his passions was fishing--he often said, 'the quiet solitude on a lake couldn't be beat.' He was active with each of his sons in whatever sport or passion they chose to pursue. During their youth he spent his Sundays as a Sunday school teacher for Divine Savior United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 43 years, SueAnne (Steckel); his sons, Kevin (Michelle) and Nathan; and his daughter-in-law, Jill TeStrake; his grandchildren, Brooklyn Sommer, Kimberlee Sue, Marissa Margaret, Jack Steven, Gemma Ellyn and Graeme Alan TeStrake; his Mother-in-law, Antoinette "Toni" Steckel; his brothers, Bernard (Sue) and Gary (Lois); his sisters, Carol (Jerry Gehl), Sally (Tim VanWyngarden) and nieces. His sisters-in-law, Sandie (Frank Mueller), Christine (Jesse Sandoval), Mary Steckel, Donna (Scott Radlinger), Liz (Tom Rickman), Joe (Janet) Steckel, John Steckel and Randy Machtan and nieces and nephews; his cousins, Dianne (Herm Reninga) and Julie (Tom Ridge). Many neighbors and friends further survive him.

He was pre-deceased by his nephew Paul Gehl (1971); his father-in-law, Frances James Steckel Jr. (1987); his father, Harvey Donald (2002); his mother, Margaret Louise (2011); and his son, Jason Willard (2016).

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, with a visitation from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. A Celebration of Bill's Life is will follow the service at Waltham Park, 2617 Waltham Road in Madison.

Memorials may be given in his name to The Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin for nursing scholarships or to the UW School of Nursing. Nursing skills, along with aggressive cardiologist treatment, and deep love of family and friends made his last year's quality living.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434