William J. Ford

William J. Ford, 69, of Fond du Lac, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 following cardiac arrest. He was born in Fond du Lac on June 26, 1953, a son of Gordon and Charlotte (Schaefer) Ford. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy and attended UW-Fond du Lac.

On October 17, 1981, he married Sandra Berenz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. After the loss of their infant Katie Rose, they were blessed with their son Ryan and daughter Margaret. Bill deeply loved his wife and children. He developed a strong work ethic while growing up on his family’s farm and instilled this trait in his children. Bill was known for his candor, wit, and staying true to his convictions.

He worked as a truck driver for various companies, most notably Carl J. Witkowski and Sons, where he was treated like family. He was later employed for many years with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, retiring in 2020.

Bill was a car enthusiast and collector. His collection included Ford Model A’s and Mustangs. His poppy red 1965 Mustang Fastback was his pride and joy. Having the Fastback as the featured/poster car for the 2014 Iola Old Car Show and meeting Carroll Shelby topped his thrill list.

He loved spending time with family at Elkhart Lake, rides through the Kettle Moraine area and National Parks, vacations in Puerto Rico and at Disney World, music events, listening to public radio, and cheering on the Brewers. His happy place was anywhere on a warm beach or poolside.

William is survived by his wife, Sandra; son, Ryan of Oshkosh; daughter, Margaret of Fond du Lac; siblings, Tom (Anna) Ford of Knoxville, TN; Mike (Trudy) Ford of Fond du Lac; Joan (Tom) Stanchfield of Taycheedah; and Julie Ford-Tempesta (Daryl) of Scotts Valley, CA; brothers-in-law, Dennis Berenz of Fond du Lac and Gary (Sandy) Berenz of Fond du Lac; aunt Mary Agnes Konen of Eden; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Katie Rose; his parents, Gordon and Charlotte Ford; his wife’s parents, Elmer and Rita Berenz; a brother-in-law, Jim Berenz; a sister-in-law, Joanne Berenz; other relatives and friends; as well as family dogs, Ledger and Lizzie.

The family extends a special thank you to the Fond du Lac First Responders, EMTs, and ED staff at SSM Health-St. Agnes Hospital.

Services: A Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:45 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac, where Bill’s family will greet relatives and friends. A Liturgy of the Word will follow visitation at 6:00 PM.