William J. Poulos

William J. Poulos, 94, of Plover formerly of Manitowoc passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Whispering Pines Assisted Living in Plover WI.

Bill was born on February 13, 1929 in Manitowoc to John and Magdeline (Porubcansky) Poulos. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and furthered his education at Carroll College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management.  On March 24, 1951 he married the love of his life, the former Calla Wills in Manitowoc.  They spent over 66 happy years together in Manitowoc.  She preceded him in death on July 9, 2017.  In his teen years he worked for his father’s shoe repair business and later at the Colonial Inn in Manitowoc.  Bill served his country in the United States Army. He served overseas during the Korean War and upon return to the states served in the US Army Reserves for 8 additional years.  Bill was a Traffic and Distribution Manager for Hamilton Manufacturing in Two Rivers until his retirement.

During his career Bill was a member of and served on the board of the Lakeshore Traffic Club as well as the Transportation Committee for the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce.  He received the Speak-Up Award for 1971 from the Chamber of Commerce.  Bill received national recognition when he was featured on the cover of the February 1984 issue of Traffic Management.  In 1985 he received Traffic Management’s Professional Achievement Award.  He was a member of several professional organizations, most notably:  he served as a director of the Shippers National Freight Claim Council; was an arbitrator for the Transportation Arbitration Board; and was an active 40-year member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association’s Traffic Committee, serving as chairman for the Loss and Damage subcommittee.  Bill was a member of the Manitowoc Masonic Lodge No. 65 and served Freemasonry for over 70 years.  The brotherhood and service of the lodge was a very important part of Bill’s life.

Bill spent many happy hours on the golf course, playing cribbage, reading books from the Manitowoc Public Library, and watching the Green Bay Packers.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially while on vacation in northern Wisconsin.

Bill is survived by his two daughters: Carrie (Gene) Hancock, Eagan MN, and Cynthia (Gery Glodowski) Kiepert, Plover WI; and three grandchildren: Emily (Tyler) Getman, Jennifer Hancock, and Alan Kiepert. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Magdeline Poulos; wife: Calla Poulos; brother and sisters: George (Judy Stoetzel) Poulos, Diane (Lester) Kirchen, and Ilona Poulos; parents-in-law: Elmer and Esther Wills; and sister-in-law: Gloria (Eugene) Ruppelt.

His family is very grateful and appreciative of the wonderful care and attention Bill received while at Whispering Pines Assisted Living in Plover.  The caregivers went above and beyond in making Bill feel at home, providing a friendly and caring atmosphere, and making sure that coffee and ice cream were available.

A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 12:00 pm Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home, 818 State Street. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the funeral home from 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com or sending cards to Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, c/o Poulos Family, 928 S. 14th Street Manitowoc, WI 54220.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Manitowoc Public Library or the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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