William J. Bake, 86, of Oconto, passed away at his home Sunday, December 6, 2009 with his family by his side, following a short illness. Bill was born May 21, 1923 in Oconto to the late George and Marie (Murphy) Bake. He married Marjorie Blahnik on June 14, 1947, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Lena. They lived in Oconto where they raised their six kids. Bill worked in the family auto business since 1936. He co-owned and operated Bake Brothers Buick Olds & GMC dealership with his brother Douglas, for 30 years. Bill retired in 1986 and did part-time work as Baliff for the Oconto County Circuit Court. He proudly served as Mayor of Oconto for six terms. He was instrumental in many improvements for the City of Oconto while he was Mayor, including the construction of the Bond Center, new City Hall, bringing the Ramada Inn to Oconto, the Middle School addition and the major harbor improvements. Bill served with the United States Navy in World War II. He was also American Legion Post #74 Commander, Exalted Ruler of the Elks, and member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as president for the Oconto Police and Fire Commission and served on the Oconto School Board. Bill was an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Oconto Blue Devils fan. He loved to play golf at the Oconto Golf Club. We will all miss him very much, we were so blessed to have him in our lives. He loved spending time with his family and was so much fun to be around.\r\n
Bill will be sadly missed by his wife of 62 years Marge Bake, Oconto; four daughters Jacqueline Bake, Oconto; Christine (LeRoy) Rausch, Park Rapids, MN; Carol (Mark) Matenaer, West Bend; Teresa (Doug) Riemer, DePere; two sons Mike (Patsy) Bake, Oconto; Jon (Jennifer) Bake, DePere; a brother Tom Bake, Red Bank, NJ; a sister Judy (Holly) Hanes, Oconto; a sister-in-law Patricia Bake, Oconto; and eleven grandchildren Billy, Jon, Lauren, Jocelyn, Stephanie, Nathan, Megan, Kyle, Ryan, Shelby and Erin. Bill is preceded in death by three brothers Robert, Patrick, and Douglas Bake, a sister Margaret Bake and a sister-in-law Jean Bake.\r\n
The family will receive relatives and friends at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto, from 9 AM to 12 Noon Friday, December 11, 2009. Mass of Christian Burial will be Co-Celebrated 12 Noon Friday at the church with the Rev. Patrick Beno and Rev. Jack Harper officiating. Military Rites by the American Legion Post #74, Oconto. The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.\r\n
The family would like to thank Unity Hospice nurses, and the Oconto Hospital doctors and nurses.

Visitation:
9 AM to 12 Noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 711 Park Ave. Oconto, WI 54153 on December 11, 2009 (map/driving directions)

Service:
12 Noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 711 Park Ave. Oconto, WI 54153 on December 11, 2009 (map/driving directions)