William “Bill” Lee Blakeley, 68, of Walworth, died at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn on April 19, 2018.
He was born in Elkhorn to Geryl and Helen Blakeley, Bill, attended Williams Bay schools from kindergarten through high school graduation (class of 1967) and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. After college, Bill spent three years as a teacher and coach at East Leyden High School in Illinois, then spent the remainder of his career at Williams Bay High School. Bill, known to all as “coach,” was a physical education teacher and athletic director at Williams Bay, but his true passion was coaching. He coached football, basketball, baseball, golf and wrestling. For several years, he also served as the offensive coordinator for the football program at Beloit College. The many students will remember coach Blakeley’s passion and enthusiasm for athletes he mentored and coached. His greatest joy in life came from coaching his own children and attending their and his grandchildren’s games and activities.
For well over 20 years, Bill enjoyed co-hosting the weekly sports talk radio show sports jam on 96.1 WLKG in Lake Geneva. He also worked at Plum Tree National and Country Club Estates golf courses during his retirement. A lifelong sports fan, Bill especially loved following the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Lions.
Bill is survived by his six children, Marcy (Mike) Dusza, Joe (Angie), Rich, Beau, Drew and Becca; six grandchildren, Kiley, Ben, Jack, Grace, Wade and Louise; brother, Rick (Sandee); sister-in-law, Kris; and five nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Scott.
A celebration of life for Bill will be from 2 to 7 p.m. May 12 at George Williams College in the Mabel Cratty Building, 350 Constance Blvd, Williams Bay. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation, Attn: Development Office, 3300 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, Fla., 33134 or online at www.alpha1.org.
Toynton Funeral Homes is assisting the family.
