William "Bill" Jones, age 71, of rural Gratiot, WI, formerly of Ashippun, WI, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2013, at his home. He was born July 23, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Jack and Pearl (Schmid) Jones. Bill graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1960. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1960-1963. He was united in marriage to Diane Mashlan on May 28, 1966. He worked for 37 years as a first pressman at the W.A. Krueger Co, Brookfield, WI, and was a member of GCC Local 577M, retiring in 2002. He farmed in Ashippun until 2004. After retiring from the farm, Bill lived on Lake Sinnissippi, Hustisford, WI until relocating to rural Gratiot in 2010. He enjoyed wintering in Jensen Beach, FL.

Bill is survived by his wife: Diane at home; two sons: William "BJ" (Kim) Jones, Jr., DVM of Darlington and Brian R. (Christine) Jones of New Orleans, LA; six grandchildren: Brett, Bailey, Riley, Lauren, Brady, and Nicholas Jones; one sister: Patricia (Thomas) Shackelford of Rollinsville, CO; many nieces, nephews, relatives and many special friends, including his best friend and cousin Dick (Janet) Jones of Whitewater, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was an active volunteer fireman for 40 years. He was the assistant chief with the Ashippun Fire Department from 1998-2004. In 1994 he was named the firefighter of the year for the Ashippun Fire Department, placing second in the state contest. Bill enjoyed riding Harley's across the United States and Europe with his wife Diane. He was a member of the Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club and a former member of the Beaver Dam HOG Chapter and Hartford Motorcycle Club. His picture was featured in the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Book. Bill was always the firefighter, always on call, a loyal friend, quiet strength, full of laughter and stories. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013, at 11: 30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5685 Main Street in Gratiot with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be held in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Adams Township, WI, with military graveside rites to be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Friday, October 4, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home, 508 Main Street in Darlington and Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. A fire department memorial service will be held Sunday, October 13, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Church, N557 Main Street in Ashippun, with a fellowship to follow at the Ashippun Fire Station, W2464 Oak Street in Ashippun. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Bill's name.