William E. "Bill" Gerhard, age 69, of Shawano, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020. Bill was born on August 10, 1950, in Moscow, Idaho, to the late Lee and Dorothy (Regling) Gerhard. Bill graduated from Shawano High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. On June 12, 1981, Bill was united in marriage to Nancy Swope in Shawano. Nancy preceded him in death on April 16, 1990. Bill worked as a driver for Reinhart Foodservice for many years before retiring.  He was an avid fisherman and a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, Bill's house was the "place to be" for Packer games for many years. He was often outspoken and had a unique sense of humor.  He was a wonderful father and grandfather, brother and friend and he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

William is survived by: his son Kyle Gerhard; his stepchildren, Shelly Schmeling of Illinois and Scott Schmeling of Washington; his grandchildren, Aaron and Mickey Gerhard; his step-grandchildren; his brothers, John "Jack" Gerhard of Shawano, James "Jim" (Lori) Gerhard of Green Bay, and Thomas Gerhard of Green Bay; and his nieces, Heather (Gabe) Garcia of Manitowoc and Kim Gerhard of Milwaukee. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

A funeral service will be held for William at 11:00 am on Monday, March 9, 2020 at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with Rev. Steve Schauder officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and again on Monday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.