William 'Bill' James Gregory

WAUSAU, Wis. - William "Bill" James Gregory, 88, of Wausau, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau.

He was born on May 7, 1927, in Ironwood, Mich., son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Raymond) Gregory. He attended local schools, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1945.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. Following his discharge, he chose sales as a career. He was employed by the Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company until he opened a dealership in Wausau for the Walter Meyer Sausage Company, based in Ironwood.

He married Marian Elizabeth BonGiovanni on May 16, 1959, in St. Sebastian Church in Bessemer, Mich. She survives, along with son, Joseph (Cheryl); daughter, Pamela (Mark) Seidl; and four grandchildren, Nicole and Tyler Gregory, and Benjamin and Laura Seidl. Also surviving are two sisters, Grace (Joseph) Mariani and Mary Jo (Ralph) Eplett; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerome (Jean).

Bill loved the game of golf. He enjoyed bowling and liked to play solitaire. At the top of his wish list was visiting with his children and grandchildren. He was a Packer fan and enjoyed watching the Brewers and Boston Celtics.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Wausau. Rev. James Schaefer will celebrate.

Burial will be at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in Wausau, where Veteran Honors will also be given by VFW Post 388 Wausau. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Church of the Resurrection in remembrance of Bill.

Condolences may be given at brainardfuneral.com.