William “Bill” R. Browne, age 84 of Rhinelander, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at his home.  He was born February 24, 1931 in Milwaukee to Ralph and Pearl (nee Pergande) Browne.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Erika (nee Wolters) of Rhinelander; children, Laurie (Mark) Eder of Brookfield, Susan (David) Wipijewski of Merton, Thomas (Debbie) Browne of McNaughton and Paul Browne of Rhinelander; grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlin, Bryan, and William.  He is further survived by his sister-in-law Sigrid, niece and nephew, cousins and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Bud.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War.  He was involved in the automobile industry for over 40 years and finished his career as President of Gateway Buick, Chevrolet and Honda in Rhinelander.  Bill retired to his true joys, spending time with family and life on the lake where he was an active member of the Lake Julia Lake Association.  Bill was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church.  He was an avid member of the Hodag Sports Club, where he was part of many winning trap teams and a fixture working at the club’s annual banquet.

A funeral service for Bill will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 17 at St. Mark Lutheran Church with Rev. Richard Miller officiating.   Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.  An additional memorial service and entombment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI with Pastor Pam Lange officiating.  Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414 / www.carlsonfh.com) is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials to the Rhinelander Animal Shelter or St. Mark Lutheran Church, Rhinelander are appreciated.