William Lagerroos

William (Bill) Alan Lagerroos, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016 at his home. He was born in 1942 in Queens, New York City, the son of Sulo and Hazel Lagerroos. He met Cynthia Fillingame in 1980 and although they never married, they maintained a loving and devoted relationship until his death. He was a loving stepdad to Laura Fillingame Knudtson, and Papa Bill delighted in his two step-grandchildren, Maia and Reid.
Bill graduated from Queens College in New York. Intending to seek a higher education degree in Iowa, he passed through Madison in 1963 and decided to stay. He obtained a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was employed in the Physics Dept. in 1970, the year of the Sterling Hall bombing. In subsequent years Bill worked in the Math Dept. and at Space Science and Engineering at the UW, prior to his retirement.
Bill's Finnish-American parents introduced him to Finnish communities from Baltimore to Maine before he moved as an adult to the Midwest. Not surprisingly, Bill grew up to be an active member of the Finnish American community. As a youngster he saw Finns organizing in social groups and societies, at food co-ops, at socialist halls, and in churches. Through his writing and speaking, he encouraged others of Finnish descent to remember and celebrate their heritage. For many years, he wrote quarterly columns for The Finnish-American Reporter and New World Finn, the most widely-circulated newspapers for Finns in North America. He was a devotee of FinnFest USA, attending most of the annual festivals throughout the United States and Canada and becoming a regular speaker. He was also invited to lecture at other ethnic festivals and organizations, from New England to the Pacific Northwest. A popular speaker at these events, he entertained his audiences with reflections on the experience and meaning of a Finnish heritage in the contemporary US.
Bill's curiosity and questioning mind led him to pursue many other topics of interest. A love of nature and photography took him down the back roads of Wisconsin in search of wildflowers, birds, Finnish log cabins, and beautiful landscapes. A collector of fine wines, he enjoyed sharing them with friends and family at wine tastings and gatherings. A wonderful dancer, Bill led his partners skillfully in many a schottische, waltz, polka, and swing. A man of habits, Bill attended the Saturday morning Farmer's Market year round and formed lasting friendships with vendors he met. Every morning, following a 10,000-step walk, Bill would arrive at either EVP on Mineral Point Rd. or Starbucks coffee shop to talk with close friends and discuss the news of the day. Ever kind, witty, curious, and at times perplexing, Bill will be deeply missed.
Bill is survived by his life partner, Cynthia Fillingame of Madison, stepdaughter Laura Fillingame Knudtson (Mike), step-grandchildren Maia and Reid of Denver, CO, brother Ron Lagerroos of Albany, NY, and his nephew, Davin Lagerroos (Michelle) and grandniece, Mira, of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at SMOKEY'S CLUB, 3005 University Ave, Madison, on Sunday, September 18, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM with sharing of memories from 12:00-12:30. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio or The Ridges Sanctuary in Door County.

The day is done.
The lights are low,
the wheels of life are turning slow
And as these visions turn and go,
I lay me down to sleep.
"I Knew This Place" David Mallett


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434