William J. Hunter Jr. Obituary
Dr. William Joseph Hunter, Jr., longtime resident of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away September 20th, 2026 at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived his life teaching others with a work ethic and sense of humor that influenced everyone who knew him. He is remembered with love by his brother, John; his children, Chris, Ethan, Rachel, Erin, and Eileen; and his twelve grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Michael, and his lovely wife, Susan.
Bill was born in Sunnyside, Queens, New York on July 23, 1946 and grew up in Westbury, NY with his brothers, Mike and John. He attended Clarke High School before leaving Long Island for Marquette University in Milwaukee. There, he studied economics, before serving as a sergeant for the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. For his service, he was awarded a bronze star. After arriving home to New York, Bill returned to Wisconsin. He worked for the Racine Police Department and the Milwaukee County Psychiatric Hospital, where he met his best friend and wife, Susan.
While beginning his new family with Sue, Bill began to build his life around education. He completed undergraduate and master's degrees at Marquette University, in Economics. Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia was his next stop, where he earned a Ph.D. in Economics, with a specialty in Public Finance.
Bill had a passion for teaching college students, beginning at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI and ending at Marquette University, where he served 30 years as a professor of economics and finance. During this time, he served as department chair and Associate Dean of the College of Business, as well as teaching in the MBA and Executive MBA programs.
In addition to his educational and career pursuits, Bill was a fun-loving person with a curiosity that led him to explore many hobbies, including vegetable gardening, gourmet cooking, wine tasting, golfing, traveling, canoeing, classical music, and reading. He was a regular at Marquette basketball games, which he attended with his childhood friend and children. His personality and charm were highlighted by his twinkling eyes and Irish smile. You knew you were going to have a good time when Bill came to the party.
Although Bill was often on the go, some of his most joyful times were entertaining guests at family dinners. He often led lively family discussions, teaching his children the art of constructing a good argument. Family and friends always enjoyed stimulating and rich conversations around the dinner table. Holidays included people from near and far; he made sure no university students had to spend Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas alone.
Bill's greatest legacy is the many students who enjoyed his classes and his mentoring into their adulthood. His service to education, to his family, and to his faith will live on on those who loved him.
Visitation begins at St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Parish in Elm Grove on October 9th at 10:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at noon. A private burial will follow. All are welcome to celebrate Bill and Sue's lives at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider making a gift to the Catholic Memorial High School Endowment Fund. Contributions to this fund honors Bill's passion for helping students and his commitment to education.
St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Parish 1260 Church St. Elm Grove, WI 53122, Westmoor Country Club 400 S. Moorland Road Brookfield, WI 53005.
