William was born June 9, 1931 in Chicago, IL. the son of the late Herman and Hanna (Hand) Babe. William had lived most of his life in Antioch, IL having moved to "God's Country" Mountain, WI three years ago. On November 22, 1986 he married Gerry McVay. William worked as a mechanic for Kramer Boat Company in Fox Lake, IL, retiring in 1996. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking rides on his motorcycle through the countryside. He was an avid Bear Fan who loved antagonizing Packer Fans.
Survivors include his wife, Gerry; one daughter, Penny (Ezra) Hernandef, Las Vegas, NV; four step-daughters, Mary (Barry) Schmidt, Kenosha, Barb (Harry) McQuire, Lancaster, WI, Cynthia Lloyd, Galesburg, IL, Brenda (Rick) Wixforth, IL; one son, William R. (Debbie) Babe, Jr., Silver Lake, WI; one sister, Ruth Tarkowski, Antioch, IL; three grandsons, seven step grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, February 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Suminski Funeral Home, Wabeno. Funeral services followed at 7 with Father Stanley Browne officiating.