William “Bill” Brogan
Bill spent his early childhood in Arcadia, Wisconsin, before the family settled in Adams in 1961—a place he would call home for most of his life. Known for his adventurous spirit and zest for life, Bill embraced every opportunity that came his way. He excelled in a wide range of school sports, drove a dynamite truck in the rugged mountains near Clatskanie, Oregon, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Bill was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in recognition of his courage and service.
He had a deep and abiding love for the American West, wildlife, and the outdoors. His family, friends, and especially his beloved dogs—whom he lovingly referred to as “his children”—were central to his life. Bill will be remembered for his sharp intellect, remarkable memory, and unwavering loyalty.
Bill is survived by his sisters: Patricia Haines, Mary Dockendorff, Grace Ann Costello, and Susan (Ken) Curry, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers-in-law, two nieces, and his cherished canine companions: Turk, Nitro, Bubba, Sadie, Xerxes, Arthur, and Recon.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rosebrook Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate and attentive care they provided Bill in his final days.
A Memorial Gathering to honor Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Friendship, Wisconsin, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Military Honors will be presented at 5:45 p.m.
Condolences to Bill’s family, we lost a great neighbor, he always had time to stop and say Hi when passing by. Thank you Bill for the service to our country, may you rest in peace my friend.
Sending sincere condolences to Bill’s family. I remember him from high school though he was a couple of years younger than me. RIP Bill…
I remember Bill well! He was a year or two ahead of me in high school. He was a very good friend to my brother Bill. Both were Vietnam vets and understood the issues related to that. RIP Bill, condolences to his family!
To Susan and her family my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father
I’m sorry to have to see that Bill had to leave us. Having beaten cancer, as well as making it back home from Vietnam. Bill loved his version if life and loved to challenge anyone with a love of vocabulary. You will be missed my friend. RIP
Our condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing he was a good friend. Always had something good to say or not. He will be missed by all. My you R.I.P.
So very sorry to see Bill has passed. He was one of the most wonderful, unique characters I’ve ever met and I was so honored to know he was ‘from here’ too. A blessing to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Billy Brogan. Thanks for the stories, the kindness and the fond memories of what a gentleman you always were to me. 🙂 My sincerest condolences to all of Bills family and friends
Billy was a friend and a brother in the Viet Nam war! He was an unsung hero. For those who fight for it, Life has a flavor that the protected will never know. Not everyone who came home from Viet Nam ever left there! People turned their back on Viet Nam Veterans and Billy was among them! Such a shame! The debt of those Heroic soldiers serving our country can never be repaid. They deserve our undying gratitude! America should never forget their sacrifices! I enjoyed our trips to the VA Hospital or driving around Adams County solving the world problems. Billy was wise beyond his years and misunderstood by many, even old friends! We talked sports, politics, and life in general. I was happy I got to spend a couple hours together the night you passed. I will see you on the other side. Thank you for your service and your intellect on life. Rest in Peace Billy
So much respect for Bill, a remarkable man.
One of the best of friends one could have growing up, his companionship and loyalty was unmistaken as it was unusual but truly genuine . Bill was gifted athlete, an intelligent scholar with a terrific memory, and undoubtedly a brave heroic soldier, RIP my friend, it was quite the ride , God bless! My condolences to Bill’s family.
Bill had many layers. His intelligence, bravery, agility in sports to name just a few but his memory was outstanding. Known Bill since I was a child and never not enjoyed hearing a story from him. I remember some ended with “What the f#*k ya think about that.” RIP Bill
R.I.P. Billy B.; I’ll miss seeing you at the high school football games
To the Brogan Family,
Bill was one of a kind friend. So proud of his achievements especially as a veteran, what a guy!
Blessings & Love to you all.
To the Brogan Family
May Bill rest in peace, I know my brother Louie will be there to meet you and talk over the good old days
God Bless
Dennis & Mary Schad
First of all,thank you Bill for your service to our country. That is so honorable and such a sacrifice for all of our freedom.
Next thank you for being the kind of neighbor to me, my big brother of sorts. You always had time for me if I happen to bop over to say hey.
I ran into you not long ago not realizing it was you. But boy oh boy, you knew me and remembered my name like it was yesterday. What a guy.
I had hope to get up to see you when I heard about the cancer. Life got in the way, but you know now I was thinking of you and I did pray for you dear Bill.
You will be missed by many and my last pray for you is that you finally rest in peace, until we meet again.
RIP Bill You served your country well.
I’m so sorry to hear about Bills passing. I always enjoyed talking with Bill . His stories of Vietnam always touched my heart. I had so much respect for him . I pray you are in a much better place Bill . You will always be in my heart .
May you RIP Bill. My thoughts and prayers to the family
Condolences and prayers To the family. Bill was a good friend from the past RIP Semper Fi
I was probably the first one to meet him when he moved here he lived on the west side of the adams gradeschool I lived on the east side of the school we did some crazy things I mi’s you already
My condolences to the family. I will always remember Bill fondly.
When we were in high school, I was dating one of Bill’s good friends so when Bill was going to be football homecoming king, he asked me to be homecoming queen because the love of his life had a very strict dad who wouldn’t let her date. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was still in his heart when he passed. RIP, Bill.
Dear Family of Bill Brogan,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bill, and will be praying for you as you go through this difficult time.
I remember that I bought two hunting knives from Bill, and they served me well on many hunts!
Take Care and God Bless and Comfort You All!!!
Lennard A. Wilson
I am so sorry to hear this, I’ve known Bill many years. He was his own unique self with not one bad bone. He will be missed by alot of people.
RIP Bill
I am sorry to hear about Bill. He was always a good time where ever he was.
Will always remember Wild Bill as a good friend. Keeping Bill’s family in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Bill.
To the Brogan family, Bill left his mark on all who met him. He was good friends with Judy and myself during high-school and beyond, he was always the same, just Bill. Visited Bill recently and we talked about our high-school sport days like it was yesterday, talked about Sportsmans Bar and the hell we raised there when we were 18 and slightly before. We lived in the best times, will miss you Bill, RIP my friend, Dennis&Judy Allen