William Stephens

Waunakee - William (Doc) David Stephens, age 70, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2019 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Madison surrounded by family. He was born on July 6, 1948 in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Evelyn (Perkins) Stephens.

Bill began his military career as a Vietnam Combat Medic. Upon return from Vietnam, he continued his military career at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During this time he married the love of his life Sylvia Sorenson on April 22, 1972 in La Crescent, Minnesota. They recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. They had one daughter, Jennifer. In 1977, he retired from active army service. He continued his career with the WI Army National Guard at Truax Field in Madison. In total, Bill spent 28 years in army service retiring as a Master Sergeant.

He was a true patriot as evidenced by his many achievements. Those achievements include helping start the 841st Medical Company in West Bend, flying the Friend in the Sky air ambulance, and working as a helicopter crew chief to name a few. After his retirement from the army, Bill was instrumental in procuring an M114 Personnel Carrier and an F-4 Phantom aircraft for VFW Post 8483. Bill was a staunch advocate for veterans rights and benefits helping many other veterans get the benefits they deserved.

Bill took great pride in his daughter Jennifer and grandsons Harrison and Joseph. He provided daycare for Harrison and Joseph until they were old enough to go to school. Taking them to many different parks and many activities including baking cookies. He cherished them. All of his friends would hear stories of Harrison and Joseph.

Bill was a very loving and giving person. He selflessly donated a kidney to his brother Gary 15 years ago.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Merrill and Rick. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Christopher Roy, grandsons Harrison and Joseph Roy, and his dog Milo. Bill is also survived by one sister Joan (Norbert) Carman, brothers Gary (Jan) and Randy, brothers-in-law Fred and Paul Sorenson, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the VA hospice unit, especially Gail, Willy, Brandon, Kyle, Lydia, Allie, and Baye.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at church. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Dane County Humane Society.