William “Billy” L. Dickinson, age 81, a lifelong resident of Suamico, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021. He was born March 4, 1939, to the late Robert M. and Irene (Valentine) Dickinson in Green Bay. Billy was a 1957 graduate of Green Bay West High School.
On September 24, 1960, he married Lois Burkel. They were married for 25 years, and together they raised their three daughters. While they would eventually divorce, they remained good friends.
Billy played hockey for the Green Bay Bobcats in the early 1960s and loved all sports, especially fast-pitch softball, the Green Bay Packers, WI Badger sports, and WWE Wrestling.
Billy was self-employed his entire life, owning several different businesses, including Dickinson Moto-Ski – but his passion was always on the water, and he would eventually follow in the family business as a commercial fisherman. With his wife Lois, father Bob, and daughters serving as his crew, Billy fished for perch on the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Later in life, Billy would also spend time in Southwest Florida fishing the Gulf of Mexico for Grouper and the intercoastal waters for Blue Crabs.
While his career was cut short at the age of 55 when he suffered the first of three strokes, he never let his limitations interfere with living. The words “I can’t” were not in his vocabulary. He continued to work part-time, lived independently, and was actively involved in his church community at Heartland Community Church and most recently Suamico United Methodist Church. Billy loved spending time with his girls and their families.
He is survived by three daughters, Pam (Robert) Rosinsky, Green Bay, Lori (Mark) Kulju, Howard and Jill (Joe) Frenette, Suamico; four grandchildren, Jennie (Jay), Ryan, Matthew (Chase), and Benjamin; two great-grandchildren, Owen and Nora; his brother Robert “Bobby” (Terri); his niece Michelle (Ernesto) and their children, Miles, and Malia; and other relatives and friends.
A private funeral service will be held for Billy and a livestream will be available on his tribute page at www.lyndahl.com. Please scroll past his obituary to see the stream, which will begin at 10:30 AM on Wednesday morning, February 10, 2021. Billy will be laid to rest at Suamico Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safer to gather.
Dad, we hope that the 50-year-old body you asked for was waiting for you in heaven.
A special thank you to Ty and Laura at Marla Vista for helping Billy stay connected virtually with his family over the past six months. The family also wishes to thank Jerry Parins, a dear friend who was always there for Billy.
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