William Barlow

William P. Barlow, 76, of W3326 Twinkle Lane, Sheboygan Falls, died peacefully at home surrounded by family members early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2009. Bill was born November 26, 1932 in Booneville, Arkansas, to the late Lonnie Owen and Wilma (Payne) Barlow. His family moved to North Little Rock, Ark. where his father worked for the railroad and his mother worked in retail. Bill graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1950. On October 26, 1956 he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Carmack. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2002. In 1954 Bill graduated with a degree in Engineering from Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas where he played collegiate football. His first job was working in the oil fields of Oklahoma. The early part of his career was spent in manufacturing, principally the fiberglass boat business in Arkansas and Illinois. In 1963 he moved his family from central Illinois to the north woods of Wisconsin where he was employed as a superintendent by the Tomahawk Boat Company. After Harley Davidson purchased the boat company, Bill remained with them until 1983, living in Oconomowoc and Tomahawk. He moved to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where he continued to work for Harley Davidson until 1986 when he joined the Kohler Corporation as a manager of manufacturing. He retired from Kohler Company in 1999. Bill attended Word of Grace Community Church in Sheboygan Falls and is a former member of the Tomahawk United Methodist Church where he was a former Treasurer and member of the church council. While a member at Tomahawk United Methodist Church he established a scholarship fund to enable youth to attend church camps. Bill was also a past Cub Scout Master. Bill had a great passion for sports. A season ticket and stockholder, Bill especially enjoyed attending many Green Bay Packer games. He also loved watching and listening to the Milwaukee Brewers games. He enjoyed skiing, camping, gardening, golfing, antiques, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed his companion dog, Ginger. He is survived by his children, Anthony (Lorrie) Wallace of Houston, TX, Patrick (Martha) Barlow of Waunakee, Melissa (Robert) Kemp of Sheboygan Falls, and Chris Barlow of Milwaukee; eight grandchildren, Josh and Jake Wallace, Ryan and Jordan Barlow, Brittany( fiancé' Josh Schwind) Rader, and Ashley (Daniel) Foth, Keshia and Brandon Kemp; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Owen Gene (Dawn) Barlow of North Little Rock, Ark. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; and an infant grandson, Justin Wallace. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at the Word of Grace Community Church in Sheboygan Falls at 11 am on Saturday, March 28, 2009 with the Revs. Kirby Andersen and Michael Lueck officiating. Friends may greet the family at the church on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the service at 11 am. A memorial fund is being established in his memory for the Tomahawk United Methodist Church Camp Scholarship Fund. The family would like to thank St. Nicholas Home and Hospice Care for their respectful care of Dad as he faced his final days. Online condolences may be sent to www.wenigfuneralhome.com. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Barlow family.

Service

Saturday, March 28, 2009 11:00 AM
Word of Grace Community Church
121 Cedar Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States