Obituary: William Gums Jr.
William L. Gums Jr., age 77, passed away peacefully at his home on August 10, 2024, after a five year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Bill was born on November 25, 1946 in Burlington, WI to William L. Gums Sr. and Gwendolyn L. (Hancock) Gums.
He graduated from Burlington High School in 1964. He then attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. His very first job was working in his Grandfather's drug store, Tobin's Drugs, in Burlington. Later, he worked for Reinemans Appliance and Hardware as a service technician. Bill went on to become Sergeant of the Town of Burlington Police Department, and also served as Racine County Conservation Warden. He retired in 2008, after 27 years with Electro-Kold Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
He volunteered on the Town of Burlington Fire Department, and also served as an EMT volunteer on the Burlington rescue squad for 23 years. After he moved to Reedsburg, WI, he volunteered for the hospital auxiliary. Bill had many hobbies including: archery, hunting, fishing, trap, and skeet shooting. He belonged to Buck Trail Archers of Burlington; Reedsburg outdoor club, and New Lisbon's sports club. He also enjoyed carpentry projects.
Bill married Carolyn (McCauley) on May 11, 1968 in Burlington, WI. They were married for 56 years. He is survived by his children, Kevin (Christine) Gums of New York, Robert (Jennifer) Gums of Lake Mills, WI, Karen (Scott) Van Wyhe of Brodhead, WI, and Matthew (Shawne) Gums of Burlington, WI. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers, Daniel (Carol) Gums of Burlington, WI, Leonard (Linda) Gums of Burlington, WI; and sister, Diane (Tom) Hosking of Waukesha, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Gums Sr. and Gwendolyn (Hancock) Gums; brothers, Lawrence Gums and Steven Gums; and his beloved dog, Annie.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the New Lisbon Community Center, 110 Welch Prairie Road, New Lisbon, WI, 53590. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Bill's memory. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.
