William “Bill” J. Given, 58, of La Crosse, died Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born in La Crosse on Nov. 13, 1950, to William and Elaine (Neidercorn) Given. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1968, and on July 18, 1970 he married Judy Olson in Halfway Creek Lutheran Church in Holmen. Bill worked for Trane Co. for 34 years as a shipping coordinator and retired in 2003. He was an avid fan of NASCAR (Go 48!), as well as the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers.

In addition to his wife, Judy, Bill is survived by one son, Scott (Jennifer) Given of Albert Lea, Minn.; one daughter, Shannon Given of Parker, Colo.; one grandson who is his newest pride, James Given; his mother, Elaine Given of La Crosse; siblings, Susan (Dan) Greeno of Dresbach, Minn.; Margaret Given of Holmen; Carol (Geoff) Reese of La Crosse and Michael (Mary) Given of La Crosse. He was preceded in death by his father, William L. Given, and an infant son.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Franciscan Skemp for their compassion and care of Bill and the family during this difficult time.

Bill: God saw your body was getting tired, so he took you by the hand and said, “Bill, walk with me”.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, at Wesley United Methodist Church located at 721 King St., La Crosse. Pastor Donald Iliff will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and again at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.