William Carl Fauk

Bill “Billy” (Milt) Fauk passed away after a brief illness on July 13, 2023, at the age of 73.

He was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, cousin and friend to all. However, his favorite role in life was as “gramps" to his grandchildren. Bill made the best of things even when times were tough. His courage, perseverance and enjoyment of life were great lessons to all.

Bill was born in Oshkosh, WI to Alvin and Jane Fauk on April 12, 1950. He married Janice “Jan” Hudson on October 31, 1970, in Oshkosh. He graduated in 1969 from Oshkosh (West) High School. He was employed at Hoffmaster Company for 35 years and always enjoyed being around his coworkers and made work a fun place to be.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jan, children Jay (Cheryl) Fauk and Jen (Chris) Peters, his beloved dog Murfe, sisters Judy Ludwig and Chrissy Esselman, brother Tom Fauk (Lorraine Jonen), brother-in-law Ron Spalding, sister-in-law Deb (Bill) Hudson Crawford, grandchildren Tess Foster, Coy Fauk, Carter Peters, and Casey Peters, aunt Betty Lou Carter, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by parents Jane and Alvin Fauk, father and mother-in-law Alden and Gerry Hudson, sister Cheryl Spalding, brother-in-law Charles Esselman, brother-in-law David Ludwig, sister-in-law Pat Fauk, aunts, uncles, cousin Denny McGraw and cousin Rick McGraw, who he thought of as a brother, as well as nephew Mark Spalding.

Bill was well liked by all and was endearingly called “King” by friends and family. He had a knack for talking to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. If you knew him, even just a little, you were likely given a special nickname he created just for you. He also had many phrases he developed that were sure to make you laugh. He loved music and especially singing. He was involved in acapella and church choir. You can consider yourself lucky if you heard his version of “Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog,” or a special version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” at one of the family Christmas celebrations. The Wizard of Oz was his favorite movie and he was particularly fond of the Cowardly Lion. In fact, Bill had the lion and his mantra, “Courage,” tattooed on his arm. His imitation of the lion’s voice and roar was second to none.

He was a member of the 1968 Fox River Valley Conference Champion Oshkosh (West) football team. Bill proudly was the highest scoring lineman in the state of Wisconsin and All Conference. He kept up his friendships with teammates and classmates after graduation and continued throughout his life. His love of football was apparent in the pride he took as a youth football coach for the YMCA, as well as cheering on the Badgers and Packers.

Bill was an avid lover of hunting and fishing, and enjoyed fishing on his dock with friends and family and relished his time at deer camp. He had a fondness for woodworking. Bill was also a great cook and delighted in making and passing on his family’s favorite recipes.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, August 27 at Woodeye’s Bar and Grill, 700 W Main Street, Winneconne from 1 PM-4 PM. Food will be served and dress is casual attire. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Winneconne Athletics. If you prefer to mail a donation, you can send it to the following address:

Winneconne Athletics Winneconne High School

PO Box 5000 Winneconne, WI 54986

Until we meet again, over.