William “Bill” H. Stoker, age 81, longtime resident of Sun Prairie, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. He was born on July 1, 1943 in Madison, WI to Villemonte and Pauline (Bogumill) Stoker. Bill was a graduate of Madison East High School, and UW Madison graduate in electrical engineering. He retired from Oscar Mayer in 1999 after 30 years of dedicated employment.
He went on to marry Marion Haas on August 25, 1962, and she preceded him in death in 2014 after 52 years of marriage.
Bill, as a youth, marched with the Madison Junior Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps. He then marched with the Senior Corps from 1957-1961.
Bill also directed the Junior Scouts, and he was an integral part of the start up and direction of the Capital Aires Drum & Bugle Corps; an all-woman corps that went on to win seven championships. His volunteer work also included the Madison Senior Drum & Bugle Corps. Devoting time to these organizations instilled pride and competitiveness. This was even furthered to the Cardinal Guard and the Sound of Sun Prairie when two of Bill’s children were active in the bands and extended beyond their years of marching.
Bill’s volunteering also included The Readi Group- Retired Employees Are Dedicated Individuals, and he was a team leader for many of their outings with the Red Cross and other local organizations. Bill was a volunteer with the Agrace thrift store after Marion’s death for the last ten years, and it brought him joy to be working with electric stuff again.
Bill enjoyed many musical events including going to scouts performances, concerts on The Square, and other music events in the area. His passion to live life also included golfing, skiing, fishing, volleyball, camping, travelling in an RV, and going to the Sun Prairie Midget Races.
Skiing was a sport that Bill did often with his family and his friends growing up. Stories were told of his ski jumping years, trips out west, and even to Europe always brought laughter. Bill was a national ski patroller for decades, and he later worked at Devil’s Head as a ski instructor for 15 years including time there with his daughter and grandson also as instructors.
Bill is survived by his children Rob of Columbia, MO, Scott (Erika) of Evansville and Sally (Bryan) Benz of Evansville; grandchildren Haylea Stoker of MO and Garrick (Cydnee) Stoker of MO, and Bryce Benz (special friend Lamara Villiard) of MT, and Sydney and Madeline Stoker of CO; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Marion; parents, mother and father-in-law, siblings Carlene (Bud) Steele, Pat (Fran) Semrad, Tom Stoker; and in-laws Bob Haas, and Janet (Dave) Bartel.
Bill’s zest for life was passed on to his children and grandchildren to embrace and enjoy the outdoors.
Hold Your Head High
Look Straight Ahead
March With Your Eyes
Play With Your Ears
Put Emotion In With Your Heart
If you knew Bill from his many walks of life, you know that he had a passion for living and was a natural leader. He always shared a smile.
A celebration of life for Bill will be from 1-5:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the VFW Post 8483 5737 County Hwy CV, Madison, WI 53704. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s honor to Agrace Hospice.
Cress Funeral Service
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-837-9054
Saturday, February 22, 2025
1:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
VFW Post 8483
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