William Robach Jr.

William Robach Jr., age 95, of Kaukauna passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Helen’s House in Kimberly.  He was born on April 25, 1928 in Kaukauna, son of William Sr. and Irene (Schmalz) Robach.  Bill was a proud graduate of Kaukauna High School, where he excelled in basketball, earning the nickname “Swish.”  He was the original “Galloping Ghost,” riding horseback across the football field and handing the football to the referee before the game from 1943 to 1946, a tradition that still holds true today.  In August of 2018 he was recognized for this at halftime of a KHS football game.  On August 26, 1950 he married Patricia A. Huss.  They were married for 37 years until Pat’s death on February 11, 1988. The marriage was blessed with four children.  Bill was employed by Thilmany Mill as an electrician for 40 years.  He was an avid golfer, loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, enjoyed playing cribbage, sheepshead, and trips to the casino.  Bill was a fan of the Brewers, Cubs, Packers and Badgers.

He will be sadly missed by his children:  Scott (Louise) Robach, Sue (Kurt) Kress, Joan (Jim) Behle, Jane (John) Arnoldussen; grandchildren: Rachel (Scott) Verstegen, Valoree (Rob) Van Offeren, Janis (Jay) Bowers, Al (Mary) Kress, Sandy (Rick) Welhouse, Dan Behle, Karin (Jozef) Schmitt, Brad Van Rossum, Sara Van Rossum (Kevin Heiden); 12 great grandchildren; brother-in-law: David (Alice) Huss; sister-in-law: Sharon (John) Schuh; nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, and his beloved wife, Pat, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Van Rossum; great grandson, Ryker Schmitt; brother: Robert (Lulu) Robach; sister: Rita (Elmer) Braeger.

Funeral Mass for William will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church (309 Desnoyer St., Kaukauna) with Father Robert Mitchell officiating.  Friends will be received directly at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of Mass.  Inurnment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

The family would like to thank the staff of Helen’s House (Kimberly) and Moments Hospice, along with Dr. Williams and Rheda from Synergy for all of your care and compassion.

In memory of our dad, please take a drive through Kaukauna, taking in all the sights. This was one of Bill’s favorite things to do.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.