After graduating he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After serving his country, he returned to Crandon and in 1958 he married Katie Rusch at the Crandon Presbyterian Church. She died in August 1967.
In 1968, he married Betty Kulinski at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Crandon. She also preceded him in death on May 7, 1979. Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service until retiring in 1985. After his retirement he worked for the Blackwell Job Corps. Bill was a very active member of the Crandon School Board, serving several terms. He liked the outdoors, especially hunting and camping and enjoyed spoiling his pet schnauzer, "Shotzie".
He is survived by special friend, June Mattern, Townsend; daughters, Diane Dies, Rosemount, MN; Paula Murray, De Pere; Chris (Brian) Johnson, Green Bay; Laurie Wade, Shawano; sons, Billy (Val) Brigham, Rhinelander; Bobby (Cindy) Brigham, Elcho; Jimmy Brigham, Madison; Ted (Holly) Kulinski, Crandon; Tony Kulinski, Green Bay; sister, Sharon (Carroll) Statezny, Crandon; 20 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wives, he was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Lynn and his parents.
Visitation was held at the Halverson-Suminski Funeral Home, Crandon. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Farr officiating. Interment at Crandon Lakeside Cemetery with Veterans services provided by the Forest County Veterans Honor Guard.