William “Bill” R. Mead passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison surrounded by family. 

He was born March 14, 1942, as the first of four children to Rollin and Marie (Blau) Mead in Reedsburg, WI.  He was a 1960 graduate from Reedsburg Webb High School. 

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era from 1964 to 1966. He was a proud veteran who was dedicated to service of his country.

On September 7, 1968, he was united in marriage to Rita Biesek.  This union was blessed with two children, son Jim and daughter Lisa.

Bill devoted his working career to being a truck driver. This vocation enabled him to work independently as well as engage with patrons, which he often described his favorite part of his job.   Prior to entering the service, he assisted his dad with a milk route, and later worked 42 years as an LP gas sales and delivery driver for United Co-op in Reedsburg.  Throughout his career, he was honored multiple times with delivering over one million gallons of LP gas to his customers per year.  He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Bill was a 50-plus year member of the American Legion Post 350 Reedsburg, and served 10 years as Commander.  Bill was instrumental in developing and maintaining the Military Funeral Honor Guard for many years.  It was shared with him just recently that the Reedsburg American Legion Post 350 was honored for being the Best Military Funeral Honor Guard in the State of Wisconsin.  Bill can be very proud of this legacy.

Bill was also an active member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1916 Reedsburg.  He and his wife Rita were chairpersons of the monthly breakfast for 10 years.  This was project they both considered a labor of love. 

Bill was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his faith was a priority in his life.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus organization and was exemplified as a 4th Degree Knight.  He enjoyed spending time with his fellow knights.

Bill is survived by his wife Rita, son Jim (Rachele) Mead, daughter Lisa (Mark) Greenwood, four grandchildren: Tricia (Cory) Skaife, Emma (PJ) Flock, Liam Greenwood (Calee Rudersdorf) and Payton Mead. One great-grandson: Jay Rollin Skaife. 

He is further survived by one brother: Verllin (Carol) Mead, and two sisters: Rollene (Mike) Marslender and Geralyn Dauti, brothers-in-law Bill (Fran) Biesek and Marty Biesek, sisters-in-law JoAnn Johnson (Joe Sletten) Gwen Biesek, Joanne Biesek and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, grandmother Nellie Blau, several aunts and uncles, father and mother-in-law, Francis and Irene Biesek, brothers-in-law Art, Eugene, Jimmy, Bernard and Marvin Biesek, Phil Johnson, and sisters-in-law Kathy, Betty, Darlene, Diane and Tammy Biesek.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bill Mead will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.  Burial with military rites at Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Friends and family may call on Thursday evening, March 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Farber Funeral Home, and from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials of remembrance may be made to American Legion Post 350 Reedsburg Cannon Restoration Project, P.O. Box 51, Reedsburg, WI 53959; Sauk County Veterans Care Trust Fund, P.O. Box 315, Baraboo, WI 53913; or to Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment Fund, 624 N. Willow Street, Reedsburg, WI 53959.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the RAMC Emergency Department and the health care team at William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison for their excellent care and compassion these past two weeks.