William Laird Obituary
Born August 20, 1960 died April 10, 2026. William "Bill" Laird the second oldest of five boys, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, from complications with health conditions. He grew up on the family farm, where life was busy, loud, and full of brotherly chaos/love. Even among five boys, he somehow managed to be the one who found trouble a little more often than the rest — a streak of mischief that never really left him and became one of the things everyone loved most about him. He followed in his father's footsteps and built a life working with his hands, becoming a skilled plasterer and contributing to countless homes and construction projects over the years. He took pride in doing things the right way, the way he was taught, and he carried that work ethic with him throughout his life. Fishing was his greatest passion — the place he found peace, patience, and joy. If he wasn't working, he was happiest by the water with a line cast out, content in the quiet. He also had a lifelong love for cars, especially classic muscle. The 1969. Roadrunner was his dream machine lighting up the roads, and he had a soft spot for anything loud, fast, and built with character. Though he never married, he was never alone. His loyal dog, Shadow, was his constant companion — always by his side, always part of his world. The two of them were inseparable, and anyone who knew him knew Shadow too. He will be remembered for his humor, his stubborn streak, his big heart, and the way he stayed true to who he was. A brother, a craftsman, a fisherman, outdoorsman, a car lover, and a man who lived life on his own term. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Jack David Laird and Elaine Miklich Laird Anderson and his partner Sue Dietrich. Survivors include brothers Glenn (Patricia), Robert (Francisca), John, Donn (Pamela). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's name to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Oconomowoc 121 S. Cross St. from 10am until time of service at 12pm. Interment will follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia.
