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William T. “Bill” Garvey, age 60, of McFarland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare.
Bill entered the world on Nov. 24, 1951, the son of Thomas and Marian Garvey. He graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1969 and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1973. Bill continued his education at the University of Michigan, receiving his master’s degree in 1977 and began his professional career as a band teacher at Washington Junior High School in Kenosha. Soon after, he accepted an opening to teach instrumental music at McFarland High School. On Sept. 6, 1987, Bill and Michelle (Mack) were married in McFarland, where they remained to this day. Together they raised their two children, Andrew and Jessica. Bill was an incredibly influential teacher who touched many lives during his 34 years as a band director, coach and mentor. His positive and supportive attitude was an inspiration to students and anyone who knew him.
Bill also shared his love of music with the McFarland community. As a high school band director, he organized many opportunities for students to showcase their musical talents, including a ten-day music tour of Russia in 1995. Bill started the McFarland Community Band with Glenn Nielsen and Dave Heilman to further share his passion for music with the members of the community. The band just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since 1977, Bill has been a field assistant with the UW Band. Being a part of the band was a source of great pride for Bill. One of the truly special moments for him was having his daughter, Jessica, with him as a member of the band over the past few years. Bill was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and was known by many as “Badger Bill”. He was also a McFarland High School sports enthusiast, having coached and cheered for not only his own children, but for hundreds of student-athletes throughout the years. In addition to his contributions to the music and sports communities, Bill was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland, where he faithfully served in many ways.
Retirement afforded Bill the opportunity to continue to enjoy life to the fullest. He regularly met friends for golf, helped prepare musicians for the annual Solo and Ensemble Festival, and continued his connection to high school athletics by officiating track meets. In addition, he remained a field assistant with the UW band, attending rehearsals daily from August through December.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; son, Andrew; daughter, Jessica; sister-in-law, Alison (Bob) Coad; aunts, Jessica Holmes and Catherine Setnicar; cousins; and many, many dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and uncles, Andrew Holmes, John Garvey and Frank Setnicar.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in Bill’s name with the McFarland Education Foundation.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the many doctors and nurses who have helped along the way, including Dr. Frontiera for his professional and heartfelt care.
“Eat a Rock and On Wisconsin”
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