William “Billy” D. Lisowski
William “Billy” D. Lisowski, 72, of Arcadia, lost his 17-year courageous battle with multiple organ failure, and his third occurrence of cancer at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse on December 6, 2024.
He remained determined to the very end to see his cherished granddaughters grow up, and to see his much-loved grandson build his house on their hunting land. His grip was strong as we held his hands, and when he could no longer speak, we saw the love in his eyes. He loved life and ours will be greatly diminished by his leaving.
Billy was born December 26, 1951, in Arcadia, to Roman and Helen (Suchla) Lisowski. He attended Ss. Peter and Paul Grade School, Independence High School, and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1970. The morning after graduation, he began work with the Menard’s pole barn crew. In January of 1971, he began at A-G Coop, working his way up to maintenance manager before having to resign because of his health in 2008.
After that, Billy worked part-time at Shopko until it closed. In his earlier years, he did roofing, carpentry, painting and tree-trimming on the weekends. He was a 32-year member of the Arcadia Fire Department, and after retirement never missed a chance to talk to one of the members, always asking about how the “new guys” were fitting into the department.
Billy had served as an officer for the Arcadia Sportsman’s Club and played a very active role in the Fall Festival at St. Stan’s Church. He was also on the property and maintenance committee and was an usher for many years.
He loved hunting, fishing, and cutting firewood. Billy had gone to Wyoming three times with family and those were some of his favorite memories. He always had a huge garden and took great pride in his beautiful lawn. Billy was a happy man when he could give fresh produce to someone. Billy and Mary Jane canned thousands of jars of pickles, tomatoes, salsa, juice, and jam over the years.
Billy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Jane Steiner; children: Robert (Cathy) of Ladysmith, Robin (Shane Semb) of Verona, and Rachel (Chuck) Amundson of Arcadia. He is “Papa” to Nolan and Will Lisowski-Semb, Nathan (Elizabeth) Amundson, and their daughter, Ayla Jane, and Kathryn Amundson. Billy is also survived by eight sisters: Celia (Jerry) Servais, Gert Wicka, Helen Kokott, Ann Sobotta, Marty Groth, Fran (Mike) Eyers, Delores (Bob) Pyzybilla, and Marian (Tony) Longmire; brothers: Roman, Andrew (JoAnne), and George (Cindy); many nieces, nephews, and cousin; and special in-laws: Rita and Rich, John and Ann, and Julie and Jeff.
He was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Paul; several brothers-in-law; Mary Jane’s parents, Bob and Betty Steiner, who loved him like a son; and a great nephew.
There will be no funeral service at this time. Burial will be in Gilmanton Cemetery at a later date.
“Billy, you have been my rock, my clown, my protector and my best friend. Most of the memories are making me smile. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it with you, and I wish we could. I will love you always.” — Nana.
To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
