William "Bill" Ernest Drinkwater

William Ernest Drinkwater, 94, died June 8, 2025.

Bill (William) was the third of four sons born in Spooner, Wisconsin, to the late Lyman A. Drinkwater and Lucille R. Drinkwater (nee Hopkins). He spent his early childhood in rural Spooner before the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was in Milwaukee where Bill met the love of his life, Nancy, while attending Pulaski High School.

After graduation, Bill worked for the Milwaukee Railroad before serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Following his honorable discharge, Bill worked for G.E. Medical Systems for 37 years, was a proud member of the IAMAW, and served as a union steward at General Electric.

Bill’s favorite pastimes included spending time with family especially during the holidays, reading everything and anything, and enjoying football. As a lifelong Packer fan, Bill delighted in taking each of his four grandsons to see the Packers play a home game at Milwaukee County Stadium. For years, Bill and his family looked forward to each football season and their weekly “Cookie Factory Football Pool”.

Bill had a special affinity for animals, having been a proud dog parent to many dogs over the years. He was one of the original board members of the Dretzka Dog Park (which later became the Granville Dog Park), the first county park to dedicate an area for dogs to play together and walk with their owners. In 2013 Bill received a Commendation from the Milwaukee County Board. It resolved that Bill be commended “for his crucial role in, and recognized as a founding father of the system of dog parks in Milwaukee County.”

Bill is survived by his cherished wife of 73 years, Nancy K. Drinkwater (nee Rutter). He was the loving and devoted father of Norman (Christine Onaga) Drinkwater, Debra (Steven) Butz, James (Jung) Drinkwater, and daddy to his beloved, late son, Steven P. Drinkwater.

He was the proudest grandfather of Jacob (Sarah Huber) Butz, Kenneth Drinkwater, Jonathan (Sarah Cohen) Butz, and Andrew (Wendy) Drinkwater. And a loving great-grandfather to Kilian, Emmett, Wesley, Shane, and Akiko.

William is also survived by his younger brother Norman (the late Angie) Drinkwater. He was predeceased by brothers Clarence (late Joan) Drinkwater and Dean A. Drinkwater. Bill was also predeceased by brothers-in-law Robert (late Grace) Rutter and Paul (late Kay) Rutter.

Bill is further survived by nieces, nephews, loving neighbors from the Jackson Park community, and dear friends Mary Horne and Kathy Masch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Bill’s name to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation, Horizon Home Care and Hospice, the Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus, or a charity of your choice.

At Bill’s request, a private burial and celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined.