William "Bill" Slate, Age 91, of Markesan, quietly passed away on January 20, 2025 with his wife by his side.

A memorial gathering for Bill will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main Street, Markesan, WI from 9:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m.  Military honors will follow the service.

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 2, 1933, the son of the late William and Dorothy (Franks) Slate. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1959 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and proudly served his country in the Korean War.

In 1957, Bill married the love of his life, Joan Gendron of North Fond du Lac, at Presentation Church in North Fond du Lac. They were blessed with over 67 years together. Bill is survived by Joan; his five children: Joseph, Robert (Anita) of River Falls, Richard (Lillian) of Markesan, Rosanne Baker of Fond du Lac, and Mark (Anja) of Markesan; grandchildren: Ryan, Alex, Anthony, Brittnie, Nickolas, Donavan, Patrick, Logan, Abby, Ethan, Hunter, and Reede; and great-grandchildren: Azyrah, Kybah, Justin, Meredith, and Delilah.

Bill and Joan moved to Markesan in 1962, where he went into law practice with Emery Paul. Over many years, he served as city attorney for Markesan and provided legal counsel for several surrounding villages and towns. He spent 12 years as a Court Commissioner, served three terms as president of the Green Lake Bar Association, and ultimately specialized in estate planning for the last 36 years of his career. As a founding member of the National Estate Planning Attorneys, Bill helped farmers and business owners throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois prepare wills and trusts.

Deeply involved in his community, Bill helped organize the Markesan Chamber of Commerce and was among the original members who established the Markesan Historical Society. He was a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons since 1965, belonged to both the Scottish Rite and the Shriners, and also served on the Board of the Oberreich Foundation.

If you knew Bill, you knew he loved to travel with family and friends. He was also an avid antique collector who delighted in sharing his collections and historical insights with anyone who showed an interest. Bill's generosity, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Slate; his brothers, Kenneth (Rose) of Ripon and John; and his son, William, "Butch" III.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the "Memorial Fund," P.O. Box 400, Markesan, WI 53946. Because Bill was involved in so many meaningful causes, his family will distribute these gifts to organizations and programs that best reflect his passions and community spirit.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and nurses at the Markesan Resident Home, Hospice, and Cornerstone Funeral Home for the compassionate care and support that brought comfort to Bill and his family during his final days.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.