William F. “Bill” Morrissey, 80, died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on February 14, 2014. Born in Chicago, IL on January 28, 1934, he was the son of the late William L. and Mary Kay (Farrell) Morrissey.
Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from St. Norbert College, DePere, WI. After proudly serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, Bill was honorably discharged on November 1, 1956. He was united in marriage on January 19, 1957 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church to the love of his life, Barbara L. Gallo. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage.
Bill began his working career at age 12 delivering groceries in his wagon. Jobs following included stocking shelves and learning the skills of a soda jerk in a drugstore, a pin setter at Guttormsen’s Bowling Alley and a clerk at the A&P.
Bill was employed as an accountant at Patrick Cudahy, a comptroller at Holleb’s Womens Apparel, a Service Field Auditor with the IRS and an internal auditor for a major insurance company. In 1969, Bill founded Morrissey & Associates Accountants, Inc. in Kenosha, guiding clients to be financially sound while taking a genuine interest in their lives. He retired in the spring of 1999.
At the time of his death, Bill was a loyal member of St. Mary Catholic Church. At St. Mark Catholic Church he served as treasurer and church accountant, a volunteer CCD instructor for young men and a member of the Kenosha Serra Club. Bill was Webelos Leader and Scout Master of the Curtiss Strange Elementary School Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop 14.
Bill was vice president, president and chair of many committee assignments in addition to many years as director of the Wisconsin Association of Accountants. He served WAA as a member of the Liaison Committee with the IRS, WI Department of Revenue and Unemployment Compensation division. He also was an active member in the Affiliated State Organizations for more than 10 years. His focus during his leadership at WAA was professionalism through education. In 1993, he was elected to Governor of District V in the National Society of Public Accountants with Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio under his care. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the politics in this national organization, serving for eight years.
Bill loved to spend time with his family, watching his grandchildren grow into responsible young adults. He loved to read and to manage his railroad, and enjoyed being a member of the Tuesday morning ROMEO group, the Stink Club and the Southeast Wisconsin Lionel Club, serving as treasurer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara, his sons, William M. (LuAnn) and Michael M. (Meghan), grandchildren Olivia Jayne, Lucas Gerard, Devin Michael and Erin Donovan, a brother Timothy J. (Sharon) and a sister Patricia (Paul) Kropp. In addition he is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Robert Jude and Mark Alan.
Funeral services were held on February 22, 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Kenosha, followed by interment in St. George Cemetery.