William “Wild Bill” James Ogdon Sr, 5534 Woodland Street, passed away  on September 19, 2013 at Stevens Point Care Center. Bill was born October 14, 1929 in Oak Park, IL son of Frank and Helen Ogdon. He attended schools in Oak Park and graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, IL with a degree in business administration in 1951.

He served in the US Army in Germany from 1951 to 1953 and was honorably discharged.

Bill married the love of his life, Diane Lee Ridge, of Aurora, IL on November 27, 1954. They lived in Oak Park and Naperville, IL and Madison and Stevens Point, WI.

In 1953 Bill was employed at Suburban Trust Savings and Loan in Oak Park, IL. He then worked for Standard Oil/Amoco Oil and retired after a 31 year career as a territory sales manager.

Bill loved people and giving back to the community. One of his greatest legacies was his strong belief and love of God, which allowed him to witness his faith to countless others. His giving included various leadership roles at St. Paul United Methodist Church, but his passion was St. Paul’s church camp where he co-directed and assisted for 35 years.  He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol, on the Whiting Dance Club Committee, a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and President of the UWSP Quarterback Club.  He worked the polls for the Portage County Republican Party,  was a member of the Stevens Point Barbershoppers and worked as a mentor for the Portage County Juvenile Detention Center.  He spoke to thousands of students around Wisconsin about the hazards of smoking and how it affected his life. Additionally he enjoyed traveling to different parts of the United States and Europe.

Survivors include his wife, Diane; one son, William Jr. of Bradenton, FL; daughters, Julie (John) Eifler of Geneva, IL and Jill (Jon) McElhaney of Sherwood, WI; eight grandchildren, Lauren Ogdon (Mike) Moyer, Lindsay Ogdon, Allison, Morgan, and Colleen Eifler, and Connor, Ryan and Leah McElhaney; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother, Coleman; and sisters, Betty (Gardner) and Virginia (Thompson).

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Sunday, September 22 at 3pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Howard Hintzman officiating. A time of sharing memories will also be held on Sunday from 1 to 3 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for scholarships and equipment for church camp.  Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.