William G. Piechura

William Gerald Piechura, 92, a longtime Brookfield resident who enjoyed a distinguished career as a manager for Kohl’s Food Stores throughout the company’s formative years, passed away peacefully on October 18.

Bill was the proud father of six, grandfather of twelve, great grandfather of six, and brother, uncle, friend, manager and “poker buddy” to countless more. Most extraordinarily, he was the devoted husband of Erna Piechura, who preceded him in death last February, for 71 years.

Born on December 28, 1933, in Milwaukee, Bill graduated from Messmer High School and married Erna Baurecht on April 24, 1954. Their family of six children lived in Milwaukee before moving to Brookfield in 1976.

Bill started with Kohl’s in 1954, and he was among the leaders who helped build it into the largest supermarket chain in southeastern Wisconsin. In his 42 years with the company, he oversaw several of the legendary arch roofed store, including the locations at 92nd and Lisbon, Capitol Court and Northridge.

The textbook definition of a “dad” and a “glass half full” Midwestern optimist, Bill’s greatest joy was his family - five sons, one daughter and six dogs - and the many in-laws and grandchildren who followed. He also rejoiced in spending time with his sisters and extended family; playing poker; fixing any item anywhere that needed fixing, and taking trips to Disney World, the Osthoff Resort and New York City.

A lifelong baseball fan, Bill was told in his final days that his beloved Brewers won the World Series—a little gift from his children to a man who had given them so much.

Along with his wife, he is preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Vanier and namesake grandson Billy Piechura. He is survived by his sons Bill (Debbie), Bob (Chris), Mike (Barbara), Jim and Tom (Rob Frazier) Piechura; daughter Sandi (Dennis) Vollmer; grandchildren Amy (Brian) Sudduth-Allison, Laura (Sara Myers), Joe (Kelly), Randy (Hannah), Joe (Rick Calixto) and Emma (Jonathan Tomko) Piechura, Toni (Scott) Thellefsen, Bobbie Jo and Tim Moran, Juliana and Lauren Vollmer; sisters Carol (Henry) Bertram, Diane (Rick) Maniaci, Suzie (Mike) Mireau; brother-in-laws Bill (Helen Bannan) Baurecht and Bob Vanier; nieces, nephews and six great grandchildren — all of whom are full of gratitude for the long and happy life he lived.

Visitation on Friday, November 6th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Schramka Funeral Home, 13220 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.