William “Bill” Broten of Menomonee Falls, WI (1944-2026) passed away peacefully on April 18th, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family.

Bill attended Juneau High School for a short time, but transferred to and graduated from Menomonee Falls North in 1963. He was on the cross country, basketball, and track teams. He was a state champion 880m runner. Not long after graduating from UW Oshkosh, he began working at Milwaukee's Deaconess Hospital in the collection's department. He worked his way through several promotions quickly rising to hospital administration. Bill and his wife, Karen, retired to a home on Silver Lake in Wautoma where he was able to enjoy two of his favorite pastimes, fishing and golf. He also satisfied his desire to help young students and athletes by volunteering as a math helper in the elementary school and a coach for the Wild Rose High School track and cross country teams. Bill and Karen eventually came back to Southeast Wisconsin and settled in Hartford.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Loretta (McCann) Broten, his sister, Sandra (Gumbaro), and many other beloved family members.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Karen (VanLanduyt), whose partnership and companionship were the foundation of his life for 50+ years. He was a proud and devoted father to his children, Kristen (Mark Arbuckle), and Eric (Jackie), who carry forward his values, strength, and sense of humor, and also his son, Adam. He is further survived by his sister, Linda (Tom Lutz), with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

Bill’s greatest joy was his family, especially his cherished grandchildren: Carter, Finley, Declan, Harper, Lachlan, Mac, Torryn, Monica, Austin, Lukas, Macy and Levi. He took immense pride in each of them and treasured every moment spent together. Bill enjoyed all family time including years of get-togethers with in-laws, nieces and nephews and reunions with his Rice Lake area family.

Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, his generous spirit, and the deep love he had for those closest to him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Sincere gratitude is expressed for the doctors and nurses who treated and got to know Bill over the years. A special thanks needs to be acknowledged for the friends and staff at the Hartford Senior Center, the Washington County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the Just Like Home Facility in Jackson. The family also is extremely grateful for the impressive care given by the staff and volunteers at Angel's Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at:

The Fairways of Woodside

W235 N8518 Clubhouse Circle

Sussex, WI 53089

4:00-5:00pm Visitation

5:00pm Welcome, Opening Remarks and Shared Memories followed by reception concluding at 8:00pm.