William "Bill" Vlieger, age 54, passed away at his home in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family early on December 24th after a two year battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Sioux Center, Iowa on October 13, 1957 to William and Sylvia (Vander Tuig) Vlieger. In Sioux Center, Bill worked hard in school and excelling in both academics; track and field. Bill grew up with the philosophy that by working hard and giving 100 percent that the sky was the limit and his future would be bright. Bill graduated from Sioux Center High School where he set multiple track records. After graduating, Bill stayed in Sioux Center to pursue a degree in Accounting at Dordt College on an academic scholarship. Despite his scholarship, he worked his way through college, continued his passion for track and field, and tirelessly supported his new family including two young children. Running track at Dordt, Bill continued to set records including a pole vaulting record of 13' 6" that stood for 28 years.
After graduating from Dordt in 1981, Bill's career led him across the country to California, Wisconsin, Illinois and finally Texas. He specialized in tax and worked in the beef, water, paper, and oil industries. Bill worked for British Petroleum (BP) for the past 10 years with a brilliant group of co-workers/friends which enabled him to love what he did!
On May 21, 1998 Bill married Patricia "Patti" Cornish. Together they built a wonderful life filled with boating on their own boat, ocean sailing trips with great friends, and houseboat vacations with their children and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife Patti Vlieger, Cypress, Texas; his children, Ben (Shannan) Vlieger, Jackson, Wis; Katie (Brett) Wallace, Council Bluffs, iowa; Ty (Sara) Miller, Kewaunee, Wis; his grandchildren Arianna, Ella, Emily, Chase, Elyse, and Cole; his mother Sylvia Vlieger, Sioux Center, Iowa; his mother-in-law Dorothy Cornish, Green Bay, Wis.; two sisters Judy (Ron) Buseman, Sioux City, Iowa; Jo Ann (Vern) Wichers, LeMars, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Bob (Diane) Cornish, Green Bay, Wis.; three sisters-in-law, Judy (Mike) Shepeck, Green Bay, Wis.; Margie (Mark) Stender, Casco, Wis.; Susan (Terry) Stulo, Las Vegas, Nev.; multiple aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his father Bill Vlieger, his sister Mary (Steve) De Young, his father-in-law Robert Cornish and his step-son Adam Miller.
He was a great husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his optimistic, laid back approach to life and living. He will be missed most on the days when the weather is ideal for a boat ride on Lake Conroe and a cold beer.
A memorial service visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home in Casco, Wis. Prayers will follow at 11:00 a.m. with a time to share memories. Pastor Howard Batt officiating. Online condolence messages may be expressed here .
