William James Mayew
William “Willie” James Mayew was born on October 18, 1943, to James and Myrna May Mayew in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He attended local schools and graduated from Kenosha High School in 1961. An avid athlete, he played for the Kenosha Pirates semi-professional baseball club before serving in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.
After his military service, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, graduating in 1972. In 1974, he married Marleen Andreucci, and shortly thereafter began the most important chapter of his life—devotion to his growing family. William James Jr. was born in 1974, followed by James Patrick in 1977, Christine Marie in 1979, and Joseph William in 1983.
Willie embarked on a business venture with colleagues Joe Pfeiffer and Ed Schoor from 1974 to 1980, then transitioned to a role at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a construction project manager. He later joined Pickus Construction and Equipment, where he worked for the remainder of his career.
After retiring in 2006, Willie and Marleen moved to North Carolina to be closer to family. Bill and Jim had already settled there, and Chrissy had moved to Pensacola, Florida, to coach volleyball and continue her education at the University of West Florida. Joey remained in Milwaukee, where he worked for the Potawatomi Casino.
He was an avid golfer as part of the Sandpiper Dragons Golf Club in Sunset Beach, NC, proud member of VFW Calabash Post #7288, diehard fan of Da Bears and Da Cubs, hosta-loving landscaper, diligent ancestry researcher, but most of all Willie lived to attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.
Willie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marleen; sons Bill (Rebecca), their children, Will III and Ian Mayew; Jim (Stephanie); daughter Chrissy (Bill) Elliott, their children, William Elliott III (Trey) and Peyton Elliott; as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen and Bob Reich.
He was preceded in death by his father, James (1963); his mother, Myrna (1977); and his youngest son, Joseph (2009).
Willie’s roadworthy GMC Canyon found a home with the Vehicles for Veterans. As his final act, “good Will” donated his body to the Anatomical Gifts Program at Duke University’s School of Medicine to advance research and improve patient care. Post-program remains will later be cremated with ashes being placed in Kenosha alongside his parents and son—a heartfelt tribute to the deep family connections he cherished.
Donations to the VFW or a charity of your choice are welcome in his name.
Thomas Sorensen
I admit to a shock when Bill's wife called me Sunday morning. Last we spoke about ten days ago Bill sent me a pic of the three Bills, sr, jr and the third. Bill cherished his family. The youngest, Ian is a professional tennis player and played in French, US opens and Wimbledon. Last month I met him at a pro tournament near my house. The respect he had for his grandfather, who watching on tv from NC, was palbably evident. That love and respect ran through the entirety of the Mayew clan, it was woven throughout the fabric of the family.
I first met Bill when he was 11 and terriorizing batters with his wild fastball, broke a few arms, nick mêlé, etc. He played a year and half at Madison, but as he said, I don't have the discipline to get the grades, not with all those beer bars on state street, it was 18 yrs old entrance then. Bill never shied away from fun.
He was my best buddy from 9th grade on and we were both drafted by Uncle Sam the same day in Milwaukee. That very afternoon they put him on a bus to Fort Lenonwood (sp), sarge warned him to pipe down or else, well it was or else.
At around 25th reunion, bill had never attended, thought it would be a bore. My wife and spent the day at his home on Sheridan road and finally he said ok. He totally loved it and has been active ever since. Bills dad took me under his wing in high school and I am indebted to his fathering. He died too young, 1963. Bill was a presence everywhere he went, his bravado carefully hiding a sage wisdom about life that he received from his dad.
im not going to say I will miss him, but of course I will, yet his laughter and sly sagacity will be inside me forever.
Jerry Hubbard
So sorry to here about Bill's passing. I played little league with Bill-he was always a great athlete and an all around nice guy!
Thomas Geary
I was saddened this morning to see Bill's name had entered In Memory. He and I had been casually friendly in school, but I can't claim to have been a close friend back in those years. Thanks to our mutual friend, Tom Sorensen, we began to reacquaint at reunion time, and over the past several such occasions grew to really enjoy each other's company. I appreciated his intellect and his wit and we shared many mutual interests that we were not finished discovering. Looking forward to seeing Bill before, during, and after our gatherings grew to the point where I now and will forever think of him as a friend. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I will miss him.
Michael Wright
I was really shocked to hear that Bill passed away and live just down the road from him and we played a lot of ball behind my folks restaurant and bar, we had a concrete wall to throw a rubber leak ice ball at boy I bought a lot of those it was only 30 feet and we really knew how to hit a fast ball. I am so sorry for Bill's wife and family I went through that in an O2. It's it's very hard, but you have to remember. He's in a better place than we are and we're gonna see him again all my best to his family.
William Whyte
I was sorry to see Bill's obituary this morning. I remember him from Little League and beyond. He was a great athlete with a great sense of humor.His laugh was memorable. Rest in peace buddy.
Alex Matusevicius
I was sad to learn of Bill's passing. We were lab partners in Physics class. His shenanigans frequently caught the attention of the teacher. We lost touch after graduation but reconnected after he began to attend the reunions. Condolences to his family. He will be missed,
Henry Hartnek
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Corrine Lutter (Martin)
I was so saddened to hear that Bill passed away. My sincere condolences to his family, I'm sure he will be greatly missed.Brian Juga
James Roy