William Lane

Hey Everyone.

This is William, or Bill, as many of you knew me. I wanted to share a few thoughts about my time here on earth, before my daughter, girlfriend, or sisters do it for me. Honestly, I’ve often wondered why more folks don’t take the chance to write their own obituaries. Most end up being a laundry list of accomplishments—boring, right?

So, I was born on December 5, 1954, in Far Rockaway, New York, and I made my exit on October 21, 2025, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The math isn’t hard; you can figure out how long I stuck around! I liked camping, drinking old fashions, watching the Packers play, and riding my Collector's ’86 Harley Softail.

My major accomplishment in life was our miracle daughter, Amanda. I am so proud of who and what she has become. Amanda and her husband Sean have three children, my grandsons, Blake and Carter, and my bonus granddaughter, Madilyn. I have been blessed by them all. I have also been blessed repeatedly with the love of my girlfriend, DJ, for 21 years. Her steadfastness in all areas of my life is a testament to her unwavering loyalty, devotion, and patience.

Hopefully, by now, I have been reunited with my father, Richard, along with my brother, Richie, and my dearest Aunt Ethel. To my mom, Clara; my sisters, Kathy and Patty (John); my nieces, Michelle and Stephanie, and my grandnieces and nephews—I can’t wait to see you again when the time is right. But stay on earth as long as you can; there’s no rush!

I have asked for no visitation or funeral. There’s no point in getting together and staring at an urn. Just think of me once in a while, have a drink, and remember the good times.

This isn't goodbye, just “see ya later.”

-For each of us who has known Bill, Billy, Wild Bill, Duck Lips, we know who and what he was, from his accomplishments and weaknesses, to what he did and what he stood for. We all have our own personal memories of him; we loved him, and we will miss him dearly.

Burial will be at a later date in South Dakota at the Black Hills National Cemetery. Dad will finally make it to Sturgis!