William Paul Longley

William Paul Longley, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, surrounded by family. William was born on February 7, 1943, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin to Ralph (Cy) & Dolores (Pat) Longley. He married the love of his life Kathleen (Kay) Bettinger on September 20, 1969. William & Kay celebrated 57 wonderful years just two days before his passing. William & Kay welcomed their son Michael and were blessed with many memories through the years.

William worked as a sub assembly at Waukesha Engine from 1966 until his retirement in 2010. He was a hard-working husband and dad who always provided for his family. He made many longtime friends while working there and many have predeceased him.

William enjoyed watching all football, but most enjoyed the Green Bay Packers. William & Micheal truly enjoyed their time spent cheering on the Green & Gold once at Lambeau. William also enjoyed the Milwaukee Brewers, and the family enjoyed one game every year at County Stadium, now known as American Family Field. William enjoyed seeing the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center from tickets that Michael won. William also enjoyed the Wisconsin Badger football & basketball.

William & Kay attended dirt track racing at Beaver Dam, Hales Corners and Cedarburg when they first started dating. They didn’t attend as often as Kay was expecting Michael, but soon it became a weekly family excursion from World of Outlaws, Sprint Cars and IRA Sprints before the sports started to fade out. William & Kay enjoyed Loretta Lyne, John Anderson and the like artists, but Conway Twitty being their favorite. Horse races in Arlington, Illinois started with their honeymoon and became a yearly trip as well. Many vacations up north included trip to Laona, Wisconsin for the steam engine rides and trips to the Casino. William set himself a limit and once that was gone it was time to leave. Every summer the family would also enjoy a trip to the zoo.

William is survived by his loving wife Kay and his wonderful son Michael. William is further survived by his brother Dick as well as other family & friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Fran, Mary, Diane and Dave.

A visitation to celebrate Bill’s life will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026, at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church from 9 am-11am with a service to follow. Bill will be laid to rest at St. Bruno’s Cemetery.