William “Bill” Pooch

William "Bill" Pooch aka “Papa Pooch”, fought a long and hard 19-year battle with his health. Those battles became too much, and Bill lost his fight on February 18, 2024 at the age of 67.

Bill was born in Racine on March 2, 1956, to Carl and Vera (née Kaplan) Pooch. He attended and graduated from J.I. Case High School. 

In 1976 he married his high school sweetheart Sherry Horack. They decided in 1979 to move to Sugar Camp, to enjoy a better, laid-back life where Bill could hunt and fish to his heart’s content. It was there they raised their three children Kelly, Ryan and Jaime and installed his love for hunting and fishing in them. Bill also enjoyed gardening, sitting around the bonfire, and took every chance he got to shoot the breeze with friends.

 In 2005 Bill’s health battles began. He was often referred to as a “Miracle Man.” His resilience, stubbornness and determination blessed him and his family with 19 additional years that very easily could have been lost. In those extra years Bill was able to meet and see all six of his beautiful grandkids grow for which he was so incredibly grateful for. 

Bill is survived by his wife Sherry; children: Kelly Kroeplin, Ryan Pooch, Jaime (Rick) Riemer; grandchildren: Jacey Kroeplin (Brydon Williams), Kadin Kroeplin, Isaiah Kroeplin, Dominic Dahlquist, Mason Dahlquist and Kiley Pooch.

He is also survived by his sister Maryann (Rocco) Moat; father-in-law Bob Horack; sister-in-law Lynn Horack (Mike Navine); brother-in-law Bill (Laura) Horack; and many friends and extended family.  

Bill was preceeded in death by his mother Vera; father Carl; infant granddaughter Hannah Pooch and mother-in-law, June Horack. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday March 2, 2024 at St. Kunegunda Catholic Church in Sugar Camp.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Shotskis in Eagle River starting at noon. 

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.