William “Bill” Van Mater, age 88, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away January 27, 2008.
Funeral services will be 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Bishop Jaquith will officiate. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon on Wednesday at Roseberry’s. Interment will be at the Quincy Cemetery. Military rites will be offered at the graveside service by the Adams VFW Post #6279; the Adams American Legion Red Cloud Post #250; and the Grand Marsh American Legion Snyder-Richardson Post #273.
Bill was born February 19, 1919, in Chicago Illinois to William and Anna Van Mater. He married Maxine McMullen on August 3, 1940, in Bensonville, Illinois. Bill played AAA baseball as a pitcher in the Bensonville area while being a father and a Crane Operator on the railroad. Bill served in the Marines from June 16, 1944, until March 18, 1946, with an Honorable Discharge. Bill served as a mail carrier in Lancaster, California and then moved to Friendship, Wisconsin where he also served as a mail carrier in the Wis. Rapids area until his retirement.
Bill enjoyed working in his garage, stamp collecting, farming, hunting, and fishing. In his later years, he was involved in the Church of LDS.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Billy Van Mater; and brother, Clarance Van Mater.
Bill is survived by his:
Wife: Maxine Van Mater of Friendship, Wisconsin
Children:
Colleen (Don) Griffie of Arkdale, Wisconsin
Susan Pharis of Friendship, Wisconsin
Alan Van Mater of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchildren:
Tony Griffie of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Tammy (Tim) Stephan of Oxford, Wisconsin
David (Andrea) Pharis of Valencia, California
Melissa Pharis of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Lisa (Arron) Halfman of Valencia, California
Crystal Pharis of Friendship, Wisconsin
Great-Grandchildren:
Amanda of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Taylor of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Kyle of Valencia, California
Dylan of Valencia, California
Great Great Grandchildren
Benjamin of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Alexandria of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Brothers:
Edward Van Mater of Friendship, Wisconsin
Bud Van Mater of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister:
Dolly Scott of Plainfield, Illinois