William J. Gianoli

William J. Gianoli, 87, of La Crosse passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 25, 2013 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born in La Crosse, Wis. on July 19, 1926, to Anthony and Catherine (Guenter) Gianoli. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Oestreicher Sept. 4, 1948, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Bill was a devout husband and father. Family was very important to him. He graduated from Aquinas High School class of 1944. Bill also served our country in WWII the US Army. After serving 32 years on the La Crosse Fire Department he retired in 1984 as Captain of Instruction. Bill received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts for outstanding service as Scoutmaster of Troop 39 sponsored by the Holy Trinity Men’s Club. Bill also enjoyed fishing, squirrel hunting, woodworking, reading, hiking, gardening, and after his retirement, traveling. Bill was also active in the American Legion Honors Guard, Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, Meals on Wheels and the Moose Lodge.

He is survived by nine daughters, Peggy (Dan) Sislo, Jeannie Ruetz, Ceil (Ted) Litsheim, Sue (Ron) Rasmusen, Terri (Angelo) Pedretti, Jo (Pat) Cook, Mary (Lance) Sierzant, Toni Brague and Chris Huecker; one son, Bill (Kathy) Gianoli; 28 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;  and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” on June 10, 2009, his parents; three sisters; Eugenia Guanella, Teresa Hall, and Sister Joellen (Anna Marie) Gianoli FSPA.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, December 28, 2013, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts and Rev. Alan Guanella will concelebrate, with entombment with Military rites by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 in Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM today at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave S., La Crosse, Wis., with a Scripture Service to be held at 6:30 PM. Family and friends may also call from 9:30 until the time of Mass in Holy Trinity Catholic Church Saturday.

Memorials are preferred to Franciscan Skemp Foundation, Holy Trinity Church or the charity of your choice.

The family is grateful to Mayo Clinic Hospice for their services.