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MADSION - William F. Endle, age 75,
died on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. He was born in Eau Claire and grew up
in Stevens Point. He attended UW-Stevens Point and received a music
education degree from UW-Madison and a master of music education from
the University of Colorado. Bill married his best friend, Judy Prokash,
on April 8, 1961, in Algoma, after meeting her at Van Hise Jr. High
School, where they both taught. Bill truly enjoyed his life in music and
considered this a gift. To be able to create a medium that everyone
enjoys was his lifelong goal. He played French horn with the Milwaukee
Symphony, the Beloit Symphony and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, which
he served as president for two years. Bill started his teaching career
in Milwaukee at Riverside High School, progressed to Clinton (Wis.) High
School and came to Madison in 1959, where he was the band and orchestra
director at Van Hise. He retired from the Madison school system at
Memorial High School, where he served as Director of Bands, Coordinator
of Jazz Studies and Chairman of Fine Arts. He composed the Memorial High
School song, "March Onward, Memorial." Prior to this period he served
his country in the U.S. Army as director of the 25th Division Band in
Hawaii. Recognition of his talents include: Wisconsin Bandmaster of the
Year (1975) and Madison Jazz Personality of the Year (1966). He was also
administrator of Birch Creek Music Center in Door County from 1990
through 1995, where he had taught summers for 15 years. In his lifetime
Bill loved making music for people. To that end, he performed with the
Bill Terry Sextet, American Jazz Express, Retro Swing Band, Blessed
Brass, Retro Brass Quintet, and many other free-lance opportunities
where he could perform with his compatriots. His love for travel took
him many places both as a private traveler and as a member of the
International Friendship Force. His work as a clinician and music judge
took him throughout the United States and Canada where he became
recognized as a specialist in jazz and marching band. He started the
first jazz program in the Madison Public Schools and won accolades
throughout the country. Through his involvement with the West Kiwanis,
Bill was the cofounder of the Madison Music Recognition Banquet. He also
enjoyed just sitting around with his friends, the Boris Boys, and
trading stories. Friends were an important part of Bill's life. Bill is
survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Judy; two daughters, Kirsten
(David) Czoschke of Estero, Fla. and Kathy of Madison; and a sister, Kay
(Robert) Bukowski of Ogdenburg, Wis. He was preceded in death by his
parents, William, Sr. and Catherine (Dupless) Endle. Visitation is
planned for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. with a
memorial service to follow at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203
Wisconsin Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may
be made to HospiceCare Center, Dane County Humane Society, where he
adopted his cat, Teddy, First United Methodist Church or a charity of
one's choice.
Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608)
831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com
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