William “Bill” C. Hupke, age 91 of Clintonville, passed away on Monday March 10, 2025 at Cottonwood Manor Assisted Living, Green Bay.
William “Bill” Clemeth Hupke was born June 11, 1933 in Clintonville, WI, son to the late Clemeth & Margaret (Dumke) Hupke. He was raised on the family farm and attended Clintonville Schools, later graduating with the class of 1951. He was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after, and served with his unit in Alaska, where he was a mechanic and operated the tow-truck in the motor pool. After his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Clintonville and started his career as a welder with the F.W.D./Seagrave Corporation. He built many trucks over the years and did service calls throughout the country repairing the same equipment when service was needed. Bill was united in marriage to Eudine Rihm on February 22, 1958 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Clintonville; which later merged with the Methodist Church, becoming the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, where he was a devoted member. As an elder and caretaker of the church for many years, Bill was always involved offering guidance and using his skills to keep the building and grounds running at its best. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling, taking his boys fishing in summer and winter, and rabbit hunting. He built a nice ice shack complete with a cooktop, and also hand-made smokehouses for fish and other meats. As Bill had a wealth of knowledge of the F.W.D. and many of the trucks produced over the years, he enjoyed curating the F.W.D. Museum and gave many private tours of the exhibits. When the Smithsonian came to Clintonville to film a documentary, Bill was involved in the process, operating the trucks and offering his insight. He could also be seen driving the old trucks he worked on during most every parade in Clintonville. He enjoyed helping his son Bill with car projects: restoring his father’s 1938 Dodge, and working on the Trumbull over the years. They also attended the Iola Car Show together yearly since its inception in 1972. He taught night classes in welding at the Clintonville High School for many years, and often helped friends and family with projects with no need for anything in return. Bill’s devotion to Eudine was evident throughout their marriage, they rarely left each other’s side doing most everything together. They were true soul mates in every sense. Bill will be remembered as a quiet, humble man, who put his family first and used his gifts to help others.
Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eudine
Sons: William “Bill” Hupke Jr., Combined Locks & John (Sharon) Hupke, Green Bay
Grandchildren: David (Brittany) Hupke & Alex (Elizabeth) Hupke, both of Green Bay
Great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Elaina, Willa, & Edward
Sister: Mary Troudt
Brother-in-law: Ed Phillips
Cousin: Arlo (Susan) Dumke
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Myra Phillips & Kay Koeppen; and brothers-in-law, Donald Troudt & Richard Koeppen.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the United Methodist Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Diana Ziegler officiating. Military honors will be conducted at the church by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville following the service. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville.
Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Hupke family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
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