November 11, 2020 – Hustisford, Wi – Carl Alois Will was born on the family farm near Hustisford on February 28, 1934 to Alvin and Helen Will. His loving wife, Betty, gently cared for him before he went to eternal peace on November 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family in the home he built in 1967.
Carl graduated from Hustisford High School and joined the United States Air Force when he was 17 years old. Carl was proud of his four years of service to his country, serving as a turret gunner in the B29 aircraft rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On September 20, 1958, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Hackbarth. He was a lifelong Catholic and member of St. Matthew’s Church in Neosho.
He started his 40 year career as a carpenter at the age of 22. As foreman of his crew, he was responsible for the construction of many projects, building apartment complexes as large as 120 units. He also built many homes in the Dodge County area, including the homes of his brother and sister.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, children Gary (Sue) Will, Renee (Lance) Donegon, daughter-in-law Linda Will, grandchildren, Hunter and Sam Will, Shane (Amanda) Donegon, Cass Donegon (Brandon Jochem), McKenna Donegon, BJ (Aaron) Bailey, Melissa Will, Kyle Will, Leah (Cody) Pesch, and Kayla (Shane) Strassman, great-grandchildren Zim Donegon, Audrina and Aurora Donegon, Wyatt and Everlee Pesch, and Emmie Strassman. He is further survived by his brother Elvin Will, Jr. and sister, Janice Mintzlaff, and sister-in-laws Margaret Fredrick and Loretta Hackbarth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Helen Will, his son, Kevin and his in-laws, Herbert and Clara Hackbarth. Carl was further preceded in death by sister-in-laws, Louise Will, Virginia Fredrick, Helen and Delores Hackbarth and brother-in laws, Wilmer, Melvin, Harold, Virgil, Ronnie, Floyd and Lloyd Hackbarth, and Gene Mintzlaff.
Carl was a wonderful patriarch and quietly proud of his family and their accomplishments. When asked what he attributed his successful 62 year marriage to, his reply was, “That little girl right there,” referring to his loving wife, Betty. Their marriage has been an example for their children and grandchildren to help carry on his legacy. Carl and Betty traveled to many places together, visiting almost all 50 states.
One of their most memorable road trips was driving to Alaska with Carl’s brother Elvin and sister-in-law Louise. They enjoyed their fall color rides to northern Wisconsin, together taking in all the beauty God had to offer. There were many memories made and happy days spent with family and friends “Up North” at the trailer on Lake Sharon with a few beers tipped around the campfire.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he loved the special solitude of trout fishing most of all. He would drive his little car many miles to his favorite streams in Southwest Wisconsin and never fail to bring home a meal of trout, which he often gave to other family members so they could enjoy nature’s bounty too. In his last years when driving became difficult, Betty became the chauffeur and Carl the guide to his secret fishing spots, where he still caught trout. Betty would keep careful watch over him, all while taking her little walks on the road. They shared a deep, gentle love.
Above all, Carl loved spending time with his cherished wife, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. His traditions live on with his family.
Internment and a celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date. A special thank you goes to our family and friends who have supported us with their love and prayers during Carl’s Hospice care. Thank you to Seasons Hospice and their wonderful caregivers, Tracy, Shelby, and Sam, for providing their services to our family. We were blessed that Carl was able to be in his home surrounded by his loving family. Condolences can be found at www.shimonfuneralhome.com
