William R. Sundling

William R. Sundling, age 85, formerly of Gladstone, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Brewster Village in Appleton, WI. He was born on April 24, 1933 in Rapid River, the son of William G. and Alice (Ebbesen) Sundling. William graduated from Gladstone High School in 1951 where he played basketball, baseball, and was captain of the football team. He went on the further his education at Michigan Tech University in Houghton. William enlisted into the U.S. Army on May 15, 1953 and served his country during the Korean War Era until he was honorably discharged on May 13, 1955. Upon returning home, he continued his education at Michigan Tech University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. William was employed by Western Electric in Chicago for many years and later with Teletype (a division of Western Electric) until his retirement in 1990. Following retirement, William moved back to his childhood hometown of Gladstone. He was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church of Gladstone, the Rapid River American Legion Post 301, the Gladstone Swedish Club, and the Upper Michigan Central Model Railroad Club in Escanaba.

William R. Sundling is survived by 3 children, Rosalie “Dolly” (Henry) Menchl of Neenah, WI, Kathy (Joel) Zimmermann of Green Bay, WI, and Bill (Renee) Sundling of Neenah, WI; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including nephew, Craig Knudson, and niece, Karen Snay.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Knudson.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of William will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, with Rev. Tom Otis officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial and Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at the Rapid River Cemetery. 

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