In loving memory of

William R. Meythaler
August 24, 1947 - October 9, 2017

William (Bill) Meythaler passed away on October 9, 2017 from C.O.P.D. at St. Mary's hospital, where he was born 71 years ago. Save for his last ten years (when he lived in Mt. Horeb), Bill was a lifelong resident of Madison, graduating from Randall, West High, and the UW - all with highest honors. After college, Bill worked two years in Cape Canaveral as a mathematician for the space program. He travelled widely, visiting 49 states and over 50 countries, including Cuba and the old Soviet Union. He travelled by rail across most of pre-industrial China, and was on one of the first guided canoe trips through MN's Boundary Waters Wilderness and one of the first guided Grand Canyon river rafting trips. A big sports fan, Bill especially loved attending Mallards baseball games; in his declining years he followed them on the radio and reminisced about having the highest batting average in the city when he played first base for West High. Politics also interested Bill and he once ran for alderman, placing second in a field of five; he was president of his Beta Theta Pi fraternity pledge class. He continued through his middle years his childhood hobbies of baseball card, stamp, and coin collecting and was a member of Madison coin and stamp clubs. An avid reader, Bill frequented independent bookstores and subscribed to numerous magazines and newspapers. Although often experiencing poor health, Bill lived a full life. He'll be especially remembered for his irrepressible sense of humor and his devotion to his loving Mother, Dorothy Kraege, who passed away just three weeks after he did. (See her obituary this page.)

He is survived by his sister, Jo Ann (Meythaler) Berg of Mt. Horeb (formerly of Ann Arbor, MI); his nephew, Hans Berg of Empire, CO; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Lester Meythaler (in 1964); his grandparents Olaus and Jeannette (Fosshage) Mickelson of Mt. Horeb; and all his many aunts and uncles, including Gaylord Mickelson of Mt. Horeb.

Details for services are pending.

Please share your memories.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd., Madison
608-238-3434

Tributes

Rachelle Rohe wrote on Dec 10, 2018:

"I have fond memories of speaking to Bill on the phone. He would frequently call to find out the status of events in the village (Mt. Horeb) and engage in conversation about recent national news stories. He is the only citizen who ever sent me flowers just because; a wonderful and unexpected surprise from someone with a heart of gold. I miss our phone calls, Bill. You take it easy and we'll chat again. "

Bill Reinke wrote on Nov 21, 2017:

"I remember Bill from grade school, high school, and LMC church. We had math together and French also. Rest in peace. "

Jim Wilson wrote on Oct 22, 2017:

"I remember Mighty Bill as we were in grade school, high school and the same Cub Scout den together. He was one of those people that seemed to get along with everyone. I don't know how he got the nickname but I expect he enjoyed it. My mother had COPD which caused her death. I hope he didn't suffer. "

john wimberly wrote on Oct 15, 2017:

"I have fond memories of what a great guy Bill was as a classmate at West High. He was one of those "solid citizens" for which the upper Midwest is known. My prayers are with his family. "

Milt McMillen wrote on Oct 15, 2017:

"I have pleasant memories of Bill at Randall and West High, and especially in the Cub Scout pack. Rest in peace, Bill. Milt McMillen"

Jenny Cowle Walter wrote on Oct 15, 2017:

"Bill and I went to Randall School together. We were in the class of '59 and had recess together for seven years! Every June for the past few years we've had a class reunion at Vilas Park. Last June was our 52nd. There were eight of us. We all squeezed around one picnic table, reminiscing and laughing. I'm sure Bill would have loved it. Recess was a long time ago, but I remember he was always kind to me. I was glad because he was also a whole lot bigger and taller and stronger than I was! "

Katrine Rajski wrote on Oct 12, 2017:

"I remember Bill's full-bellied laugh and how his whole face would host a smile. Bill was stunningly smart, especially with numbers. Will miss seeing him. - Kat"