Individual Details

Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI) - Tuesday, November 2, 2004
MADISON - William R. "Bill" Goins, age 79, of Madison, passed away Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, of congestive heart failure. Bill was born on Feb. 8, 1925, in Decatur, Ill., to Harvey and Madge (Pritts) Goins. He grew up on a farm with three younger brothers, and graduated from Woodstock High School. Bill was in the U.S. Army, and served his country honorably during World War II, in Germany. He met his bride to be, Mary Poloni, while on leave, at a dance at Truax Field. They married on Dec. 17, 1945, and remained happily married for 50 years until Mary's death in December 1995. Bill worked for Pennsylvania Oil, Madison, in sales and marketing. He and Mary had two children, William Francis (Liz) and Kathy Bidwell (Gary). He was a fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus, and served faithfully until his passing. In February 1968, he was struck with a debilitating stroke. During rehab, the family moved to California. Deciding he was a true Badger, they moved back to Madison and lived on Rutledge St., until this past summer. Bill continued rehab, taking up woodworking that kept him busy for many years. He was renowned for his wooden tulip and animal business, which he sold from his front porch. He volunteered at the V.A. Hospital, and began working full time in the V.A. laundry in 1977. He retired in 1987 and for the next 17 years, endured numerous illnesses, but always made it through with his zest for life. Bill was extremely proud to be a grandfather to his three beautiful granddaughters, Amanda, Lauren and Molly Bidwell. Everyday, Amanda would call "Poppy" just to check in and see how his day was. He would always tell them to try their best, have fun and be proud. Bill enjoyed the freedom of riding his moped and was known for sitting on his front stoop, waving to kids getting on the school bus in the morning, and all travelers heading to and from work. Bill was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed playing cards with his Knights of Columbus friends and neighbors at Wilmar Center. Bill decided this past year to sell his house and move to the west side to be closer to his daughter and her family. He had been in his condo for three weeks when he endured a mild stroke. He spent time at St. Mary's Hospital, Meriter Rehab and Meriter Assisted Living before heading back to the hospital with flu-like symptoms. He was transferred to Hospice Inpatient Center. Bill's neighbor, Andy, wrote an article in 2003 about him being an ambassador to the Madison Isthmus and east side. He said the difference between Bill and other elderly gentlemen is that Bill always chose to "sit in the sun." Sept. 5, 2004, was pronounced Bill Goins Day by Mayor Cieslewicz. All of his old neighbors had a gathering and celebration for him, and he was able to enjoy that afternoon immensely. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine (Gary) Bidwell; granddaughters, Amanda, Lauren and Molly Bidwell, all of Madison; son, Dr. William (Liz) Goins of Pittsburgh; sisters-in-law, Helen O'Leary and Lois Goins; brother-in-law, Joe Justiliano; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Harvey and Madge; brothers, Bob, Jim and Verlyn; in-laws, John and Veronica Poloni; brothers-in-law, John Poloni, Joe Poloni and Dick O'Leary; and sisters-in-law, Augusta Novak and Irene Justiliano. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at ST. BERNARDS CHURCH, Atwood Ave., with Monsignor Michael Hipppe officiating. Visitation will be at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, Odana Road, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Wednesday. The family wishes to thank Dr. Marshall Fields for all his years of care, attentive listening and compassion for Dad, Dr. Kay Barrett, St. Mary's and Meriter Staff, Meriter Assisted Living-Terraces (in particular, Lisa on nights) and all the staff and volunteers at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center for their kindness. Dad, was a "special people person" and was at his happiest while with others. He was peaceful and calm during the end. He is now in Heaven with Mary, sitting on the front porch, waving to those arriving.

Dad/Poppy, we love you and will miss you each day. Thank you for showing us what mattered most in life. Kathy, Gary, Amanda, Lauren, Molly, Bill and Liz.

Birth	8 Feb 1925	Decatur, Macon County, Illinois
Death	29 Oct 2004	Fitchburg, Dane County, Wisconsin

Father	Harvey Loren Goins (1899 - 1967)
Mother	Madge Rosella Pritts (1904 - 1992)
Sibling	Robert Edwin Goins DDS (1927 - 2002)
Sibling	James Eugene Goins (1929 - 1988)
Sibling	Verlyn Lee Goins (1932 - 1994)