William D. Hiles Sr., 80, Pittsville, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Our House Assisted Living, Wisconsin Rapids.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Pittsville, with Father Nathan officiating. Burial will take place in Dexterville Cemetery at a later date and serving as pallbearers will be grandchildren, Josh Hiles, Nathan Hiles, Melinnie Hendrickson, Marcus Hendrickson, Tom Hiles and Tyler Hiles. The visitation will be from 3:00 until 6:00 pm on Sunday at Buchanan / Rembs Funeral Home, Pittsville, and on Monday from 10:00 am until service time at St. Joachim Catholic Church.

William was born on August 7, 1938 at home in the Town of Cranmoor, Wood County, to Dexter and Marian (Howard) Hiles and was a 1957 graduate of Pittsville High School. He married LouAnn M. Freund on July 12, 1958 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Wisconsin Rapids.

Bill was employed at Consolidated Papers for 35 years until his retirement.

As a young man he was contacted by 5 professional Baseball teams and tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1958. He also co-authored with his daughter-in-law, Sheryl, a book, “Yellow River Pioneers” which was a history of Pittsville, Dexterville and Babcock areas. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a past Lions Club member and past union president. He was instrumental in the formation of the Pittsville Historical Society and museum. After retirement he enjoyed antiquing and garage sales.

He is survived by his wife, LouAnn, and their children, Fred (Julie) Hiles of Junction City, Sue (Ed) Hendrickson of Neenah and Tim (Sheryl) Hiles of Pittsville, and a daughter-in-law, Donna Hiles of Pittsville.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 14 great step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, William Hiles Jr., a brother, Robert Hiles, a sister, Ruth Kane and 2 step grandchildren.

Memorials may be designated to the Pittsville food pantry.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com