William L. Potter

William L. Potter, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Cherry Meadows in Appleton. He was born in California to the late Melvin and Emma (Van Agtmael) Potter. He grew up in Appleton, wed in Germany, and resided in Combined Locks for most of his life.

To know William was to love him. He had a generous heart, a gentle soul, and a laugh that made all others join him in happy tears. William was well-known in the family and friends for riding his Harley wearing only a pair of shorts and some birkenstocks- always happy to show the world his “beautiful bronzed body” and his beard that earned him the nickname “Harley Santa.” William worked hard all his life, from Ryder Truck, the Community Blood Center, and various odd jobs, as well as in his relationships with his loved ones. He was always eager to tell the world of his wife’s beauty and prioritize his time with his family. Never was there an unfinished meal on his plate, nor a vehicle that he didn’t ensure was polished and pristine. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother; He will be dearly missed by all.

William is survived by his wife, Barbara Potter; two children: Leah (Brian) Desens, Lance (Steve Carbin) Potter; three grandchildren: Jack (Ashley) Desens, Samuel (Fiancée, Basil) Desens, Emma (Fiancé, Andrew) Desens; siblings: Larry (Verlea) Potter, Betty Braun, Kathy Mislinski, Penny (Jim) Bowen, Frank (Donna) Potter; sister-in-law, Karen Potter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Emma Potter; brother, Mel Potter; twin sister, Bonnie Pennington; and brother-in-law, Jim Braun.

 His family would like to extend gratitude to the staff at ThedaCare-Neenah and the hospice team at Cherry Meadows.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 410 Wallace Street, Combined Locks, WI. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to William’s memorial fund.