William "Bill" Gordon Fleischman

William “Bill” Fleischman was born into Eternal Life on April 9, 2026, after living with ALS. In his own words, “The benefit of receiving a terminal diagnosis is that it gives you time to write your own obituary.” He did just that.

I was born on May 26, 1967, to my late parents, Bill and Barb Fleischman. We lived in the Village of Pewaukee until I was 12, then moved into a house my dad built a few miles down the road. I went from St. Mary’s School in Pewaukee to Kettle Moraine Middle and High Schools. I graduated in 1985.

I spent the next few decades working with and for my dad at Fleischman Builders. He taught me everything I know, and I’m proud to say I was a pretty good finish carpenter. We have a long list of homes, buildings, and establishments that carry our handiwork. Being able to build homes for my sisters was an honor. The last thing I built by hand was a pair of Gothic arch doors at Sussex United Methodist Church, and I hope they’re still swinging. I was pretty proud of them.

I spent the last 15 years of my life taking care of both of my parents during their health issues and at the end of their lives. That was, by far, the most fulfilling job I ever had. When asked how I’d like to be remembered, I said, “I’m a K.O.O.K – A Keeper Of Odd Knowledge.” It was why my armchair Jeopardy! answers were often correct.

I was the only boy, lucky enough to have four sisters. I leave behind Susan (Pete) Groehler, Jill (Bruce) Blazek, Carole (Stephen) Collins, and Amy (Mark) Thome. Together, they gave me one of my favorite pastimes: unclehood. I’ve enjoyed watching them all grow and going to their games, recitals, concerts, races, graduations, and weddings. I love you and wish you all continued success: Peter (Liz) Groehler, Matthew (Heather Schultz) Groehler, Luke (Lauren) Groehler, James (Kaylin Videkovich) Groehler, Scott (Blair) Blazek, Adam (Samantha) Blazek, Bryan (Marie) Blazek, Chloe Collins, Callie (Justin) Collins, Kyle Thome, and Jenna Thome. And of course, those who made me a great-uncle: Emma and Lily Blazek, and Maisie Collins. I also leave behind my aunts, Sally Good and Alexa Owley, and lots of cousins from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Florida. Much love to you all.

Growing up, I was rather rambunctious. My sisters have plenty of stories about my shenanigans. I enjoyed racing motocross, weekends at Aztalan Cycle Club, hunting and fishing locally and in Canada and North Dakota, and motorcycles. It was in my youth that I met my lifelong friends, whom I would like to thank for their friendship and support. Dan Schuenke, Kip Bliss and Avo Laido – we had a good run, didn’t we? I was also fortunate to latch on to some of my dad’s best friends, who have been very important to me. Jim and Karen Cramer and Tom Kraus, we have some great hunting and fishing trips to look back on! Thank you for your love and support. I also want to acknowledge the amazing community in which we lived and thank all of the Cloverleaf gang for being such wonderful friends and neighbors.

At the “new” house, I discovered a love of gardening and cooking. Both kept me busy with learning and labor, and brought me joy over the years. Between Mom, Dad and me, we kept many neighbors, family, and friends rich in produce. Thank you, Uncle Ed Miklavcic, for all of your gardening tutelage. You just might outlive us all, and if not, I’ll save a seat for you.

I look forward to being reunited with my grandparents, Lillian and Gordon Owley, and Hattie and Joseph Fleischman. I will say hello to many aunts and uncles who have gone before me, and especially my beloved nephew, John Paul Groehler. But most of all, I can’t wait to hug Mom and go fishing with Dad.

Lastly, I want to thank the staff at Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, especially Paige, Andrea, Stu, Tina, and Vicky. You really made a difference. Thank you.

ALS cut a lot of our relationships short, and it really is a you-know-what. If you feel the need to send flowers, I ask that you donate to ALS research instead, or to the ongoing good work of Angel’s Grace Hospice.

God bless you all, until we meet again.

A visitation to celebrate Bill’s life will take place Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with a service to follow at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (New location: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066).