Obituary
Guest Book
1926
2012
William Edward Gautsche, Jr. age 86, of Hayward, WI, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the Water's Edge Nursing Home, with his daughter, Jan, at his side.
Bill was born January 14, 1926 in Withee, Wisconsin, the son of William and Susan (Hoha) Gautsche. He graduated from Withee High School, and later the Reisch Auctioneering School. Bill had many odd jobs: he slaughtered cattle, harvested potatoes in North Dakota, painted mailboxes with his brother Gerald and was a truck driver. In 1946 on a trip through Hayward, Bill landed his first guiding job at Ross' Teal Lake Lodge where he designed his first bait, the Billy Finn Bucktail. During 1948 he went to work for his good friend George Brandt, at Brandt's Lost Land Lake Lodge. In the same year he met the love of his life, Gerhardine Peters.
Bill and Ger married October 4, 1952 at the Spider Lake Church and soon moved to Hastings, MI where Bill continued his life-long career in the fishing tackle industry. Through the years, Bill worked for Action Rod Industries, Berkley Line, Daisy/Heddon, Gladding/US Fiberglass, Woodstream Corporation, which included Old Pal, Victor leg hold traps, Fenwick fishing rods and Terry Bass Boats. As a partner in the Tommy Thompson Company, he represented Zebco, Quantum and MotorGuide. And lastly, he was with the Cullerton Company, representing Stren-Dupont, Remmington Arms, Plano as well as Zebco.
Bill and Ger moved often to follow Bill's work. Over the years they resided in Hastings and Dowagiac, MI; Syracuse, NY; Miami, FL; Eden Prairie, MN; Lancaster, PA; Irvine, CA and Hoffman Estates, IL. While living in all of these areas, Hayward was always considered home. Later Bill and Ger had a home on Round Lake where friends and family loved to gather. They purchased their last home in the city of Hayward.
With over 60 years in the fishing tackle industry, Bill was an icon in the industry with thousands of friends and stories. He attended his first Milwaukee Sport Show in 1949 and estimated that he may have attended this show 50 times or more. And in later years Bill served as an advisor with the Great Outdoors Group, managing The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sport Show.
Although Bill had a well documented career in the fishing tackle and outdoor sporting industry, his greatest achievements may have been his volunteer efforts serving the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward, WI. For nearly 35 years Bill was the first and only chairperson of the Hall's nominations and awards committee. In 1975, Bill was the first person appointed to the Fishing Tackle Industry Advisory Committee at the NFWFHF. In 2005, Bill became and Executive Board member for the Hall and in 2009-2010 Bill served as the Executive Boards Vice President. And with his leadership and guidance Bill has been the Executive Board President of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame since 2011. However, it was in 2006 that Bill was honored with the Fishing Hall of Fame's highest level of enshrinement when he was inducted for "his significant and lasting contribution to the sport of fresh water fishing on a national level".
Survivors include his children, Jeri (John) Springstead of Mazomanie,WI, Jan Ingbretson of Hayward, WI, William "Bill" (Lynn) Gautsche III of Eau Claire, WI, and John (Leigh) Gautsche of Robbinsdale, MN; grandchildren, Theran, Nathan and Karsten Springstead, Greta and Meredith Ingbretson, Ashley (Gautsche) True, Taylor and Walker Gautsche, Mariah and Hayden Gautsche, and Kayla (Ammerman) Beccu; and 7 great grandsons. He is further survived by two sisters, Lois Vance of Torrance, CA and Betty (Ken) Smith of LaValle, WI; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gerhardine (2007); daughter, Julie Kay Gautsche (2002); sister, Eleanor; brother, Gerald; his parents; and son-in-law, Jess Ingbretson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 9, 2013
Willard Winkley
I was able to view the pictures. I have lost another true friend. I will miss him
greatly. My love to all. Wink
December 26, 2012
To the Gautche family.
My deepest sympathies of the loss of a great friend.
Bill and I go back 30 plus years. Bill was always a real gentleman. He always had time to chat and make us smile.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Best regards
Dan Wiebelhaus.
December 20, 2012
I was saddened to learn of Bill's death. He and my dad, Earl McMullin, had a long friendship that started when he worked for Orchard Industries in Hastings. My father moved from California to start up the fishing rod company. Bill and my dad kept in constant communication over the years. Always a note a Christmas, and usually a couple of phone calls a year. My dad died January 16th, 2011. Bill had called me at our business ( Hastings Fiber Glass Products) to inquire why he hadn't been able to contact him. When I told him he had died he said that he had been away at his daughter's and that had he been home and known about it he would have driven over for the funeral. Bill was such a wonderful person and a long time friend of my dad's. My dad lived to the age of 95. I was sorry that Bill couldn't have had more good years!
My thoughts are with you. Earlene (McMullin) Baum
December 20, 2012
I'm so glad that Tom and I had a chance to visit with Bill and (bff) Janny a few Octobers ago. I will remember Bill as one of the kindest "dads" I've had the pleasure to know. I am deeply sorry for the Gautsche family loss.
Peace, Love and Hastings, MI
Tom and Molly (Cove) Andrews
December 18, 2012
Bret & Lisa Fischer
Please accept our heartfelt thoughts, prayers and condolences.
December 17, 2012
Trip Banks
To the Gautsche Family; I think you can certainly tell what a positive influence Bill was on everyone he knew!
I first met Bill as a friend of my father, then had the opportunity to work with him on the TSSA Board for several years. Bill was a mentor and forward thinker who always had an interest and time to talk.
We can all take a lesson on how he approached every day as evidenced in his ever-present smile!
Warmest regards;
Trip Banks
December 17, 2012
He will always have a place in my heart and in my thoughts. I enjoyed helping him the Milwaukee Sport Show and meeting a load of his friends and TV personality. I still Fishing Gear that he gave to "Test". For the family I would certainly like to see all of you again but in the meantime except our Deepest Sympathy Tim and Maxine
December 16, 2012
Jay Couch
A True Gentleman Bill will be missed very much. I trust he is again Guiding the waters for the Muskie that was a true passion for him. Jay Couch
December 15, 2012
Lisa Tart
I was so truly saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was an eloquent man and I will really miss him. He always had a smile and a hug, and he always smelled so good so after he would hug me his cologne would linger with me throughout the day. I have known him since we moved to Hayward in 1972, and his entire family. I watched them endure much tragedy through the years and yet always remain strong. god rest your soul my dear friend.
December 15, 2012
John Krejci
Dear Gautsche Family,
Bill and I go back 37 years in the sporting goods industry. I have many fond memories of working with Bill when he was with the Thompson and Cullerton companies. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to go the extra mile. A true legend in the fishing industry and a great man. My sympathies are with all of you.
Johnny K
December 15, 2012
Dan & Lesa Raimer
What a wonderful person to know! Bill was always humble, kind and down to earth, a lovely person. Dan & Lesa Raimer
December 14, 2012
Dear Gautsche Family:
We were saddened to learn of Bill's death. He was just like family to the Leo Stewart family. He spoke at both my Dad's 90th B-Day party and his funeral on Jan. 3, 2012. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have many fond memories!
In Sympathy & Friendship, Clayton & Pat (Stewart) Braun
December 14, 2012
Tim Lesmeister
Bill was a friend and mentor for many years and helped me weave through the web of the outdoor world. He left a tremendous legacy and those that knew him had the utmost respect for his accomplishments. He was a great man and I will miss him. My prayers go out to family members and while I am disappointed I can not make the funeral, my thoughts are with you.
December 14, 2012
Paul and Joye Twesme
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
December 14, 2012
Dennis O'Connell
Jeri, wish I would have met your dad. Sounds like he was a great man. You, Jet and family have my deepest sympathy.
December 14, 2012
Jim Meyer
"I was a rookie rep in 1986 and met Bill at the Minneapolis Sport Show. I found a friend that day.For years we would run into each other at least twice a year and often when I was traveling in Wisconsin area. He was a gentleman and a friend"
I am very sorry for your loss.
December 13, 2012
Barry Swiler
Dear Family,
I am devastated that I will not be able to attend the services for my dear friend. He will always be remembered. This gentle man was an inspiration to us all. Truly, a loving friend. We became so close when we lost our adoring
Ger and Jan at the same time. I miss him so. His smile and his many stories will remain with us forever.
Respectfully,
Barry Swiler
December 13, 2012
Sandy Portincaso
Bill, Tony and I were a team at the Milwaukee Sport Show for many years. Bill and I shared a wonderful trip to FL last winter. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
December 13, 2012
Todd and Lori Anderson
Bill was the most incredible friend...the kind of friend that always made you feel as though you were the center of his attention. Gracious, charming and quick witted...he gained trust easily and treated that trust with utmost respect. Bill always brought out the best in people and his kind ways and elegant presence will be with us always. The one attribute that I will miss most about Bill was his uncanny and youthful passion for serial invention. Bill was constantly searching for ways to improve himself, businesses, organizations, people around him and of course the bucktail�. It is interesting to note that he developed and patented the first inline bucktail spinner and at 86 years young he reinvented it again. Truly making him the alpha and omega in bucktails.
Till we cast together in heaven....
December 13, 2012
Chris Slusar
I had the honor of spending many hours/days with Bill, first as a interested tackle historian, then as friend. I'll remember and miss his sharp recollection of history and stories. Most of all, I'll miss his warmth and generosity.
My deepest sympathies.
December 13, 2012
arthur shapiro
it was a privlige and pleasure to be your freind and fishing pal
December 13, 2012
It is an honor to have know Bill and shared many experiences. His ability to tell a story that will live on and on. We will miss you Bill your advice I will hold dear. I will continue to share your stories and let people know of your great accomplishments that have effected us all.
Kathy Overman, FHNB Inc.
December 13, 2012
Jayne Younghans
Gautsche Family!
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing! He and my Dad "Red" went way back. Now they can spend time together telling stories. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Jayne "Johnson" Younghans
December 13, 2012
The first day I guided (as a teenager) at Ross' Teal Lake Lodge was in the fall of 1963 and Bill was already legend. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated the time I spent with Bill over the years and will miss him dearly.
Please accept my deepest sympathy, Mike Dombeck
December 13, 2012
John Dettloff
I will greatly miss Bill and my prayers go out to his family and friends. He was a kind gentleman, a fascinating individual, and an irreplacable fixture in the angling industry. I treasure the time that I have had visiting with him at his home, at the Hall, and at Water's Edge Nursing Home. I will remember him always. May God welcome him into his new realm.
December 13, 2012
Glenn Eichstedt
I have felt very blessed to have spent some quality time with Bill this
fall. He may be the most delightfully gracious man that I have ever met. He has become a wonderful role model for me and set a great
standard to live up to. Special thanks to the Gautsche Family for
opening up their homes, hearts and lives to me during my all too
short visit in September. Please accept our heartfelt thoughts, prayers
and condolences.
December 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care!
Brian & Kathy Mast, Nick, Andrea, Hannah
December 12, 2012
Althought I havn't seen Bill for a number of years, he has left me so many memories from when they lived in Eden Prairie and the times in Hayward. There are only a few people I have looked up to over the years and Bill was definitely one of them. He had a great sense humor and raised a family he was very proud of. You were always treated like you were family at their house. How Bill ever let Bill(III), Dave H. and myself take the Terry Bass boats out on Lake Rilley I will never know! Maybe he thought we were just out fishing like he would have been doing. Yeah we were out fishing! Who else could teach you how to turn your 6' fishing rod into a nice 7' rod by just let out 1' of line before you cast. A garage sale with his salesman samples got me hooked on duck hunting. It's too bad he couldn't have taught me how to shoot straight (that would have required a miraclel)
Bill you will always be in our hearts.
Love Scott and Deb Wurdeman
December 12, 2012
Dear Gautsche family, We are so sad to hear about your dad. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping to come and pay our condolences in person. With love and sympathy, Debbie and Scott
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