William "Bill" Porretto, age 92, of Kaukauna passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. He was born on February 12, 1924 to the late Giovanni Porretto, a Sicilian immigrant and Anna (Haas) Porretto, a farm girl from Kaukauna. Bill was born and raised in the Chicago area, graduating from Proviso High School in 1942. In June of 1942, Bill entered the United States Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific during WWII. Following the end of WWII, Bill married Estelle (Festner) Porretto and attended Grinnell College and ultimately graduated from Pomona College in southern California. Bill and Estelle had two sons, Loren and Mark. He received his master's degree in history from Claremont Graduate School. He began his career working as a historian for the Air Force at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Kansas City, then Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, then moving to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio where he worked as chief historian for Air Training Command. Following 22 years of civil service and the passing of wife, Estelle, he married Patricia "Patti" (Jones) Porretto, moving to Kaukauna in 1975. Bill and Patti had two children, Ann and William "Bill" Jr. In 1978, Bill then took a job as a study hall supervisor working 19 years at Kaukauna High School where he earned the affectionate title "Sarge."

Bill enjoyed reading and playing the stock market. He faithfully followed the Chicago White Sox and Green Bay Packers. Bill dearly loved his family and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved to say "Family is everything."

Bill is survived by his wife Patti; his children: Loren Porretto of Kaukauna, Mark Porretto of San Antonio, Texas, Ann (Todd) Loehrke of Appleton, and Bill (Deirdra) Jr. Porretto of Darboy; grandchildren: Brian (Jamie) Porretto of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Jody (Stephanie) Clark of San Antonio, Texas, Gina (Monte) Enoch of St. Charles, Illinois, Amanda (Jeff) Critchfield of San Antonio, Texas, Christian Porretto of Kaukana, Sarah Porretto of Kaukana, Christina Loehrke of Appleton and Lydia Porretto of Appleton; 9 great grandchildren; sister Helen Vogel of St. Petersburg, Florida; sister-in-law Mary Porretto of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Estelle; sister Marilyn Hughes; and brother Donald Porretto.

A Funeral Service for Bill will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 124 W 10th street, Kaukauna with Pastor Levi Willms and Pastor Walt Steinbach concelebrating. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016 at BOETTCHER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Father Bob Udulutsch conducting a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. to conclude the evening. Visitation will resume the following day at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Boettcher Family Funeral Home of Kaukauna is assisting the family. 920-766-2099. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com