William F. Kollock

William Franklin “Bill” Kollock, 79, passed away peacefully Friday,
June 9, 2017, at his home in Florence, Ari., while holding the hand of his wife
of 60 years. He confronted pulmonary fibrosis – his final illness – with the
courage, integrity, humor and humility that defined him throughout his life.
Bill Kollock was born Nov. 20, 1937, in Stevens Point to Henry
and Luella Kollock.
During his childhood and young adulthood on Shady Nook Farm,
he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for a job well done.
After graduating from Tri-County High School in Plainfield,
Bill leveraged his quiet charisma, handsome looks, subtle wit and automotive
prowess to win the heart of Carol Ann Clark, the love of his life, whom he
married Jan. 29, 1957, in Stevens Point.
Bill worked for nine years at Consolidated Papers, Inc. in
Wisconsin Rapids as he and Carol raised their young family.
Eventually, Bill and Carol moved their family to Bancroft.
Bill built his business, Misty Oak Farm, into one of the most well-regarded
agricultural operations in central Wisconsin while raising five beloved
children.
Notably, Bill was awarded “Grower of the Year” by Ore-Ida in
1980, a distinction that recognized his expertise, ingenuity and unique
abilities as a farmer.
After retiring from farming, Bill volunteered his time,
energy and driving expertise to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation
Program, which he considered one of the highlights of his life.
Bill and Carol began a new chapter in 2006, which brought
them to historic Florence, Ariz. Although Bill always kept Wisconsin close to
his heart, he felt truly energized by the dramatic Arizona landscape and its
abundant sunshine, becoming an avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals and
Diamondbacks.
Bill passed away in the comfortable, inviting home that he
and Carol built; a home constructed with his precise, meticulous specifications
in mind.
Bill enjoyed motorsports, playing cards (winning multiple
poker tournaments), working on automobiles, attending to the maintenance of his
home, socializing with friends and family, researching topics of interest on
the internet, listening to music performed by an eclectic array of artists and
traveling throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. Bill also loved a good
drink, a delicious meal and a stimulating conversation.
He was engaged socially and politically throughout his life,
focusing his quiet generosity on the less fortunate and aligning his
considerable empathy with causes that recognize the need for greater social
justice.
A man of gentle integrity and profound moral strength, Bill
Kollock maintained a compassionate worldview, kept his word and approached
every decision thoughtfully.
Above all, Bill loved his family, and he always ensured that
his children knew he was there for them and that he was proud of them as
individuals.
William Kollock is survived by his wife, Carol, of Florence,
Ariz.; his children, Mark (Tracy), Oshkosh, Gary (Janel), Plover, Stacey,
Omaha, Neb., and Matthew, Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Griffin Kollock,
Madison, Kelley Kollock, Minneapolis, Minn., Kerren Kollock, Plover, William
Ruffalo, Omaha, Neb., Kathrine Ruffalo,
Omaha, Neb., Cassidy Johnson, Waupaca, and Russell Kollock, Oshkosh; siblings,
Alice (Gene) Polley, Bancroft, Pat Treible, Stevens Point, and Bob (Patricia)
Kollock, Wisconsin Rapids; brother-in-law, William Goodness, Wisconsin Rapids;
sister-in-law, Judy Kollock, Bancroft; and numerous nieces, nephews, other
relatives and friends.
William Kollock was preceded in death by his son, John
Kollock; sister, Kathleen Goodness; brother, Henry “James” Kollock; and
brother-in-law, William Treible.
A private family service will be held to honor Bill’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of
your choice in William Kollock’s name. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted
to Heritage Florence Funeral Chapel 360 N. Park St. Florence, AZ 85132.