William "Bill" Stanley Meier

William “Bill” Stanley Meier passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 26, 2025, at the age of 78, following a long battle with complications from Lyme Disease and, most recently, a brain tumor.

Bill was born in Madison, Wisconsin, October 21, 1946, to parents Stanley and Marguerite "Marge" (Spahr) Meier. He was the eldest of three children. Bill graduated from Madison East High School in 1965 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and a Master of Science degree in Resource Management - Wildlife Management.

In 1970, Bill married Marlene Herzberg, with whom he had three children: Christopher, Christine, and Andy. Bill's dedication to his family and his passion for wildlife management were evident throughout his life.

Bill worked as a Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at the Merrill office from 1975 to 1996. He was instrumental in leading efforts in wildlife management and the protection of endangered species. He is also remembered by co-workers as always seeing the individual’s strong qualities and talents and encouraging them to be confident in using these skills on the job. His work had a lasting impact on the conservation of natural habitats and the preservation of wildlife in the Central Wisconsin area. He also had a close working relationship with Wisconsin Public Service and the management of their corporate ownership of land along the Wisconsin River. This relationship resulted in them honoring him by naming two islands on the Wisconsin River, off Highway 51 south of Merrill, as the “The Bill Meier Islands” is recognition of his character and integrity.

Outside of his professional life, Bill loved the outdoors and cherished spending time at his family's cottage on Diamond Lake in the Northwoods, as well as at his brother's property on Lake Superior. Bill resided in Merrill, WI until 2013, when he moved to Pulaski, WI to be closer to family and participate more actively in their lives. He enjoyed making homemade cards for family and friends, each one uniquely special and loved by its recipient. Bill also had a passion for playing cards and board games, creating many joyful memories with his loved ones.

Bill's pastimes included hiking and cross-country skiing at Council Grounds State Park with his children, biking, fishing, hunting, and being a member of the Lincoln County Sportsman's Club. Additionally, he was a devoted member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI.

Bill's family fondly remembers him as always upbeat and positive, even during the most challenging and difficult times. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and had a special place in his heart for the family dogs, classical music, and classic movies.

Bill was preceded in death by his son Christopher; parents Stanley and Marge Meier; grandparents William "Pops" and Tilla Meier, with whom he was especially close; his sister Sally Jones, and his nephew Kevin Richardson.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (Meier), son-in-law Travis Hanke, and grandsons Nic and Isaac; his granddaughter Tracie Miller; his son Andy Meier and grandchildren Alexia and Levi; his brother Tom Meier, nephew Justin (and Celie) and niece Megan; and his nieces Margie Richardson and Lisa Hiner. And, by all the people that knew him as their Papa Meier or Papa Bill.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Country Villa in Pulaski, WI and St Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Bill.

Bill's legacy will live on through his contributions to wildlife management and the cherished memories shared with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all who knew him. A Celebration of Life is planned for June 29th, in Pulaski.