William Vaughn “Bill” Girard, age 54 of Eau Claire, WI died Thursday, February 20, 2020 from injuries due to an automobile accident.  Bill was born July 17, 1965 in Plum City, WI.  He was the son of Vaughn and Janice Girard. He graduated from Plum City High School and UW Eau Claire.  He married Jolenne Dwyer and the father of Jordan (Yareliz) and Blayne.

Bill worked for Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing, MN for 29 years.  Bill started out his career as a Red Wing Shoe Store manager trainee, then became a manager in Red Wing Shoe Stores Schaumburg, IL and Dayton Beach, FL.  After a few years he moved back to WI/MN area and went into the Quality Dept. where he learned from the best, start to finish of shoe making. Bill traveled for the company all over the USA and overseas visiting suppliers. 

 Bill was the best son, brother, father and friend anyone could ask for.  He was dedicated to each of us and will always be remembered and loved.  He had an infectious smile and calming spirit not only within our family but the Red Wing Shoe family as well.

He is survived by his mother Janice, siblings; Gwen & Todd, Liza & Gary, Jill & Joe, Jenny & Russ, nieces and nephews; Andrew & Michelle, Laura & Adler, Brenton & Stacy, Kyle & Michelle, Ryan & Megan, Brooke & Zeke, Page & Bryan.

What love he had for his great nieces & nephews!  “Uncle Billy” to them – Jay, Kylie, Isaac, Oliver, Sophia, Isabelle, Colette, Theo, Harper, Lacey, & Avery.  He loved to tease them and tease he did.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vaughn.  Bill has joined his Dad in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, a special fund has been set up in Jordan and Blayne Girard names at the 1st Bank of Baldwin, PO Box 67, Plum City, WI 54761.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb 24, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM at Rhiel’s Funeral Home, Durand, WI.  A memorial service will be held at the Lund Mission Covenant Church, Stockholm, WI on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM.  Pastor Darren Catron will be officiating with a visitation 1 hour before the service.

Burial will be at a later time.

Rhiels Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is assisting the family.

Condolences

1. Joe and Jan Drier February 26, 2020, at 6:04am

   So very sorry for your loss. Sending our Thoughts and Prayers to you all!!

2. Paul Sonderegger February 25, 2020, at 7:01pm

   I had the great pleasure of meeting the Girard family when they were delivering the E.C. Leader newspaper many years ago. I brought the papers to Plum City. What a great family. I am so sorry for your loss. Paul Sonderegger

3. Dodi Taylor February 25, 2020, at 11:57am

   What a sad time. Bill was such a wonderful person! He was always ready to help when asked and he took great care of my mom & dad's property when they no longer were able. And he did it with that memorable smile! He will be missed. Prayers to all of you.

4. Patti Gould February 24, 2020, at 8:05pm

   Prayers to your whole family. Our prayers are with you all!

5. Sarah Gustafson, Chris Walker and family February 24, 2020, at 6:12pm

   Deepest Condolences to Bill's family. We got to know Bill as part of our bowling family. He was loved by all the kids and the parents. That smile and laugh was infectious. We saw him around Christmas time and were happy we were able to have a little chat with him. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.

6. Jenny Funk February 24, 2020, at 6:01pm

   Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Janice and family. Keeping you all close in thought and prayers!

7. Terry Taylor February 24, 2020, at 5:29pm

   So sorry for your loss. Bill always inspired me with his smile and willingness to help others. A great man!

8. Mike Myers February 24, 2020, at 5:16pm

   Aunt Janice and family. So sorry for the loss of Billy. I was fortunate to spend some time with Bill at Uncle Don's celebration. Take comfort that he is now with his Dad in a better place. Mike and Lucy and family.

9. Karen Weld February 24, 2020, at 10:26am

   My heart and prayers are with you. I was privileged to have you Jordan, and Yareliz in class and got to know Bill well. It was very apparent how much he loved his children and wanted only the best for each of you. Sending hugs to all.

   With love,
   Karen

10. Patty and John Wayne February 24, 2020, at 9:26am

    Our Heartfelt Sympathy to your family.
    Bill was a wonderful person, also a pleasure to visit with him. Knew him because he was my sister neighbor boy and a patient at the Dental clinic, but over the years if I seen him Eau Claire he always said hi and visited. Blessed to have known him.
    Praying that God bless you with the strength you will need at this difference time and in the year ahead.

11. Red Wing Amsterdam February 24, 2020, at 8:48am

    We are very sorry to hear this. We send our condolences from the Red Wing Amsterdam Store. Mitch, Menno, Stephen, Jarv & Karel.

12. Jess Dwyer February 23, 2020, at 3:57pm

    This is absolutely heart wrenching, let us not forget Jordan and Blayne these boys were Bills world, my condolences to the family

13. Linda (Myers) Benedict February 23, 2020, at 3:57pm

    So sorry for your loss. Cousin Billy was a cute kid with that curly hair and cute smile. I didn’t get to know him as a young man but just by the readings I am proud to call him family. God bless you all and you are all in my prayers.

14. Keri and Bill Teigen February 23, 2020, at 3:34pm

    Bill was a big part of our youth and North High School Bowling family. He was always there, cheering all the kids on. The North HS Girls team would see him and always greet him loudly, to which he’d always laugh. Our daughter, Kaitlyn, was crushed when she heard the news. Bill touched so many lives with his positive and gentle demeanor. There is no one like him. He will be forever missed and our hearts are broken. Jordan and Blayne, thank you for sharing him with us. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him. God bless you all.

15. thomas biles February 23, 2020, at 12:48pm

    sorry to here of your loss
    god bless & prayers

16. Wanda Traynor February 23, 2020, at 12:43pm

    Janice and girls. My prayers go to all at this very dark time. He was a good classmate of Kari

17. Nate Williams February 23, 2020, at 9:30am

    So sorry for your loss!!

18. Kelly D Johnson Sr February 23, 2020, at 8:21am

    So sorry to hear, your in are thoughts and prayers for your family's, what a great guy !

19. Corey Binkowski February 22, 2020, at 10:22pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Bill an I were in the same class, and freinds, you lose track after so many years where people are, I am so sorry I will not be home to attend the visitation or funeral, prayers to you all

20. Watt Lee February 22, 2020, at 10:00pm

    Sorry about your loss

21. Shelly Aslakson February 22, 2020, at 9:50pm

    So very sorry for your loss! My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

22. Linda Hanson February 22, 2020, at 8:19pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort for all the Girard family.

23. Dennis Marquardt February 22, 2020, at 7:51pm

    My deepest condolences to your family. I remember Bill bringing the boys to Junior Bowling on Saturday’s. He was always showing support for the kids and his smile was infectious. What a true inspiration and example to his sons he was.

24. Katy Felix February 22, 2020, at 7:36pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Blayne.

25. Sonia Chris Anway February 22, 2020, at 7:23pm

    My sincere sympathy to the whole family , God has gained a wonderful new angel . Special thoughts & prayers going to my friends Jill & Joe , love you ❤️

26. Patricia Frion February 22, 2020, at 5:53pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

27. Joanne Hovey February 22, 2020, at 5:07pm

    Sincere sympathy to family and friends. Such a sad loss. Hold the happy memories close to your heart ????

28. Vernon and Lisa Gist February 22, 2020, at 5:02pm

    Bill was a good friend and a trusted colleague, RIP!

    Prayers and condolences to all his family and friends.

29. Julia Allen February 22, 2020, at 5:02pm

    Absolutely one of the nicest guys I’ve Ever known.
    God definitely got another angel.
    That smile and his kindness is Forever in our hearts!

30. Susie Flynn February 22, 2020, at 4:34pm

    I also worked with Bill at RWSC. He always had a great smile. And if you were down he would say something to brighten your day????He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family ,Rest in Peace Bill????????

31. Diane Hines February 22, 2020, at 4:23pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of his family.

32. Wendy Schofield February 22, 2020, at 3:29pm

    ????????????I am truly so very sorry for all of you who loved Bill. May your loving memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead. My Deepest Sympathies. ????????????

33. Marie Webb February 22, 2020, at 3:28pm

    Bill was a very special part of our bowling family and was always there cheering on his boys, Mountain Dew in hand. He had an amazing sense of humor and the ability to relate and converse with people of all ages. He will be greatly missed.

34. Esther Meerenga February 22, 2020, at 3:27pm

    I condole with you on your loss and you have my warmest sympathy

35. Nate & Lynn Girard February 22, 2020, at 2:55pm

    Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Billy was indeed one of those people that will always have a special place in our hearts.

36. Michelle Monson February 22, 2020, at 2:52pm

    We’ve known Bill, and his loving family since the boys were little as our children grew up bowling together at Bowl-Winkles and all through High School! We are heart broken and shocked with the rest of the bowling community of such a great loss! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
    The Monson Family.

37. Kristine Polzer February 22, 2020, at 2:35pm

    Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

    Sincerely.
    Dave and Kris Polzer

38. Esther Wangen February 22, 2020, at 2:16pm

    I had the honor to get to know Bill better as my boss. I found out out what a kind and gentle sole he was. A great boss, he will be missed greatly. Rest In Peace Bill.

39. Brad and Jill Anderson February 22, 2020, at 2:15pm

    Gwen and families, our deepest sympathy to you all. Prayers for peace and comfort.

40. JoAnn “McDonnell” Flatjord February 22, 2020, at 1:48pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers to the Girard families.

41. Angie Kivi February 22, 2020, at 1:36pm

    My deepest sympathies to my Aunt Gwen and the entire family. I'll keep you all in thought and prayer. Hugs.

42. Kim Stai February 22, 2020, at 1:34pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, you could not find a nice person
    So sorry

43. Lynn Coulson February 22, 2020, at 1:33pm

    I was one of the guys Bill hung out with in high school. Great memories of those times. Three things come to mind when I think of Bill. His warm, bright smile, his easy going personality, and his strong work ethic. The guy was always working! I consider myself fortunate to have been his friend. God speed Bill.

44. Jerry Decker February 22, 2020, at 12:43pm

    I worked with Bill many many years at the Shoe!! Very pleasant guy dedicated to the betterment of the company! Always said hi with his great smile! Very polite and was concerned if you had any issues with quality of the shoes! He Will be missed very much! Thoughts and Prayers to the family!!!

45. Scott Watkins February 22, 2020, at 12:31pm

    My deepest sympathy, thoughts & prayers go out to the entire family. I was blessed to grow up with Bill next door to us. A great guy that will be missed by many. Lots of fond memories have been going thru my head since I heard this tragic news. God Bless

46. Rodger Kivi February 22, 2020, at 12:21pm

    Sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Rodger and Sharry Kivi

View More Posts ( # )