MUKWONAGO - One of Mukwonago’s brightest smiles went out Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001. William F. "Bill" McGuire died at home, in Mukwonago, after suffering a stroke Monday, Dec. 3.

He was born July 20, 1923, the son of Mae and Alfred McGuire.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine (nee Kuffner), and a sister, Mary (Phil) Nowicki. He was the loving father of five children, Pamala (Daniel) Yerke, Patrick (Gayle), Rosanne Loker, Timothy (Pam) and Carey (Bernie) Chapman. He was the proud and attentive grandfather of 10 grandchildren, Erin (Matt) McGuire, Shannon (Aaron) Feest, Caitlin, Haley, Dirk and Max Loker, Matthew and Megan McGuire and Catherine and Lucy Chapman. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Owen Feest.

Along with his three nephews, Bill leaves behind hundreds of boys at Ethan Allen School, who will miss his daily visits and dinnertime chats. Bill worked as a foster grandparent for the past 14 years. Bill was a businessman in the Mukwonago area. He delivered Standard Oil products for 34 years, warming people’s homes and hearts with his visits.

Bill was an active volunteer in his community, a retired member of the Mukwonago Fire Department, a post commander of Legion Post No. 375, a blood donor who gave more than 100 pints of blood over the years, a member of the Mukwonago Village Players and a member of St. James Catholic Church.

Bill served his country for three years in the U.S. Army in the 124th Anti-aircraft Unit during World War II. He attended his Army reunions every year, continuing his lifelong friendship with his Army buddies.

Bill McGuire was known for his gift of gab and loud roar of laughter. He will be missed by his family, friends and the many people who lives he touched over the years.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at St. James Catholic Church, 830 Highway NN East, Mukwonago; the Rev. Robert J. Drutowski will officiate. Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. today, Dec. 11, at the Schmidt & Bartelt-Van Valin Funeral Home, 315 Main St., Mukwonago; there will be a vigil service at 6:30 p.m., followed by the American Legion Post No. 375. Burial with military honors will follow the funeral Mass on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Cemetery in East Troy.

Memorials may be sent to the Mukwonago volunteer fire department or American Legion Post No. 375.

Schmidt & Bartelt-Van Valin Funeral Home, 363-7126, is serving the family.