William (Bill) Rodney Calkins, 86 of Wittenberg, WI went to be with his Lord with his family by his side on November 6, 2021. Bill was born in Mercer, WI on July 20, 1935, to the parents of George and Eva (Holmes) Calkins. He married the love of his life, Shirley (Buck) on October 29, 1955. In 1997 Bill retired from the Oshkosh Northwestern. Bill was an avid hunter and sports enthusiast. He loved working on crafts, gardening, wood working and doing volunteer work. He had a passion for playing the guitar, singing, and listening to music. He always had a story to tell and would share with anyone who would listen.
Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 66 years, five children Cindy (Tom) Paffenroth, Christy Calkins, Carla (John) Frank, Craig Calkins, Nancy (Rick) Bark, ten grandchildren, Laura (Tony) Biehn, Cassandra Daughtery/Calkins, Caitlin Calkins, Anna Bark, Lisa Frank, Amy (Josh) Kent, Ashley (Adam) Carlson, Adam (Courtney) Bark, Megahn (Chris) Colburn, Matt (Krista) Paffenroth and seventeen great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
William was proceeded in death by his parents and twelve siblings. The family would like to thank Hospice (Moments) for their excellent care and the staff at Living Tree Estates.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Ave. in Oshkosh on Saturday, November 13, at 11:30am. Pastor Russ Frees will be officiating. Mask appreciated, however; not required. A visitation will be held at 10:30am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.