"Even though I knew Bill when we were both working as Wardens, I did not get to "Know" Bill until he retired, and we hunted birds in South Dakota together with Mark Beilfuss. Bill was a great guy, had a great sense of humor and we enjoyed discussion of the world's problems. Bill will be missed by many. "
In loving memory of
William A Lazarz II
January 13, 1948 - March 2, 2025
William Anthony Lazarz II, of Deerbrook, died on March 2, 2025, at Aspirus Hospital in Rhinelander. He was 77 years old. He was born on January 13, 1948, in Canal Zone, Panama, son of the late William and Irene (Kowalik) Lazarz. He married Barbara Weaver on October 12, 1974, in Jim Falls, Wisconsin.
He graduated from High School in 1967 from Kindley Air Force Base in Bermuda.
Corporal Lazarz was a Vietnam Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps from July 25, 1967, to January 28, 1969. Following his service in the Marines, he was a diver for the Military Sea Lift Command in New York, during which time he worked in multiple foreign countries.
He was a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College and worked as a Game Warden for the Department of Natural Resources for 22 years.
Bill was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho, the Timberwolves Detachment 354 of the Marine Corps League, Antigo, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs Sniper Pound #391, and a charter member of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, gardening and feeding the birds. He enjoyed traveling, visiting 45 states along the way. He was a proud Marine and enjoyed attending military reunions. One of "Papa Fuzzy's" greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their events. Bill also enjoyed spending time with the F-Troop Wardens and Golf 2/7 Marines.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two sons, William (Stephanie) Lazarz of Elk River, MN, and Reed (Vanessa) Lazarz of Merrill; seven grandchildren, Addison, Lydia, Blair, and Sutton Lazarz, and Ashton (fiancé Zoey Parrett), Ana and Avery Voermans; a sister, Dawn (Brian) Fliehr of Princeton, MN; two brothers, John (Nancy) Lazarz of Irma and Richard Lazarz of North Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Kay (DJ) Langenfeld of South Dakota, Marjorie (Brian) Lazarz of Jim Falls and Pam (Larry) McElroy of Jim Falls. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Marie Weaver and his hunting labs, Max and Tanner.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Deacon Pete Schlegel officiating. Burial will take place in the Veterans Memorial Park in Spooner at a later date.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Military Honors will be held on Sunday at the funeral home following the service. After the military honors, a luncheon will follow at Quinn's Bar in Deerbrook.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rapture Education Group, Inc (REGI) https://www.raptoreducationgroup.org/, the Elcho American Legion, PO Box 334, Elcho, WI 54428, or the Timberwolves Detachment, 233 Park Street, Antigo.
Tributes
"Dear Barb and family, So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort at this time. "
"I had the pleasure of knowing Bill through the warden service when the vast Northern Region was formed. I worked primarily in out of the Regional office in Spooner on the far west end and Bill was fortunate enough to spend his years as a field warden on the east end. His work ethic and ability to relate to the public's needs was exemplary. He did the job right and for the right reasons. He will be missed."
"Barb and the Lazarz family, we are saddened to learn of your loss and wish to extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy."
"To Barb and the family of William Lazarz: You have my deepest condolences for your loss of Bill at this time. He was a true gentleman and a good friend. May he rest in peace."
"Marine Bill Lazarz became a Marine Corps League Devil Dog on December 10, 2024. Devil Dog Lazarz proved his sniper ability by becoming the top shooting sniper dog for Sniper Pound 391 at our Growl. Pound Keeper Rollie Johnson"
"Jason and I were blessed to have known Bill, and Barb, for many years. We enjoyed their visits to SC and vacationing elsewhere. From our tour of history in Augusta and Charleston, to zip lining in MO, and evading the rock spy in the Smokey Mountains, we will carry with us many fond memories. We are so grateful they chose to visit us just last month and will forever cherish his memory. He was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to service of his country and his family. To Barb and all the family, we pray for God comfort to you all during this difficult time of loss.
Jason and Deborah Wollam"
"Bill left good memories, will miss him a lot. Roy and Turid Bax"
"Bill had a heart of gold. I was fortunate to work with Bill in Brown county, in 1985 & 86. Bill was a conscientious Game Warden, working long hours, protecting our resources. I considered Bill and wife Barb as close friends. A great family."