“Heaven’s Up” as Bill would say. William Frank “Bill” Sachse, 90, went home to Jesus on Sept. 17, 2022. He died peacefully in his sleep at home, cocooned in the love of family.
Bill was born April 11, 1932 to Frank and Clarissa (nee Winsauer) Sachse in Milwaukee. At age 14 he entered the Devine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, Indiana. He loved prayer and had a personal relationship with God throughout his life. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy as an airplane mechanic, quickly changing to Radioman, and was responsible for all forms of telecommunications. This lead to a career in radio broadcasting. He attended night school earning a degree and a First Class Telecommunications License.
Bill had a personality that couldn’t be contained and he traveled the country during his career, eventually returning to Wisconsin as the manager of WRDN in Durand. In his 30’s, he created a fictitious elderly character, Macabe. Macabe had a regular morning show, often with listeners calling in for advice. When appearing publicly, Bill looked and played the part of a very aged, wise man. No one was the wiser.
The two loves of Bill’s life were Kathy (nee Renfro) Sachse and Dorothy Meyers. He lived in the Burlington area for the past 45 years. He was a man of many talents and interests, which resulted in second and third careers, one in agriculture and another as a mechanical technician. These positions lead to worldwide travel. Bill found no matter where he traveled or what language was spoken, “people are people”. He loved people.
Faith and spirituality were the cornerstones of Bill’s life. He talked to God about everything. He was very involved in his church, St. Alphonsus. He had a beautiful voice and could often be heard leading the congregation in song. Music was a form of prayer and he wrote and sang songs for many different types of audiences. During his middle years he discovered the Omni Chord and would share his music in coffee shops, nursing homes, church, special occasions and veterans’ facilities.
Bill had many, many diverse interests including birdwatching, hunting, storytelling, gardening and farming. He owned a small family farm prior to moving to Burlington and was a “Master Gardener”. He traveled and camped and was enamored with God’s creation. He also loved the Hallmark Channel and America’s Got Talent and was relentless in watching these programs. He became an ordained minister and officiated at many of his grandchildren’s weddings. He will forever be remembered for the beautiful birdhouses he made for anyone who asked. His most cherished earthly treasures were his children and grandlittles.
Celebrating his life are his children, Robert (Paula) Sachse, Richard (Claire) Sachse, Debra (Ted) Davidoski, Belinda (Paul) Schrubbe, Michelle (Cutter) Kaetterhenry, Betty Ann (Matt) Scheffler, Thomas (Michelle) Sachse, Debbi (Jeff) Osmolak, Chery (Jack) Caliva, Cindi (Bret) Bauman and Gary (Mary) Meyers and 33 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings, Sister Carol Sachse and John Sachse; sisters-in-law Terri Sachse and Joyce Sachse; other relatives and many friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sweethearts Kathy and Dorothy, his sons Donald and John, and his siblings Thomas, Richard, Nadine, Judy, Robert and Suzie. Many friends and other relatives were waiting to welcome him home.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kindred Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to any veteran-based organization.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, Sept. 30 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Church in New Munster. The time of Mass is still pending. For updated information on the exact time or to leave on-line condolences, please visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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