William R. MacLeod, age 78, of Clam Lake, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. after a brief illness and with his family at his side. He was born January 29, 1939 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Read) MacLeod. Bill was raised with his two older brothers; Robert Burns MacLeod (Carol) of Cape Porpoise, Maine, Joseph Everett MacLeod (Carolyn) of West Borough, Massachusetts and his younger brother Richard Layton MacLeod. Bill attended Vermont Academy for his pre-collegiate studies and obtained his bachelors degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Bill began his career in banking while a young man living in his hometown of New Bedford. He moved to the New York Hudson Valley in 1971 where he was Vice President of InterCounty Savings Bank in New Paltz. Bill and his family enjoyed life in an old farmhouse in Gardiner, New York with a continuous menagerie of farm animals including horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits and pigs, Bill growing especially close to his favorite swine, Loretta. In 1982 Bill moved to Clam Lake, Wisconsin and in 1984 was named President of the State Bank of Drummond in Cable, Wisconsin where he served in that position for 9 years before retiring.
Bill was very active in his community. As a newcomer to the Northwoods he quickly adapted with the strong support of new found friends. Family recalls the constant battle with larger than life bats and oversized snakes that had called his cabin home long before he arrived. Bill became the voice of Clam Lake writing for the Clam Lake News and entertaining the locals with the exploits of his community. Throughout his life, Bill was an avid bridge player, most recently playing at the Hayward Senior Center. He loved to read, to cook, conquer a good crossword puzzle and was a well accomplished crocheter, creating blankets worthy of display. Bill’s love and commitment to his community was evidenced by his many friends, support of area organizations and his involvement in the Clam Lake Community Club where he served on the board until the time of his death.
Bill most loved his family. Bill married Elizabeth Burden MacLeod now Miller in 1962 after they met during college on a student ship traveling to Europe. While married for 20 years, Betsy and Bill had three daughters, Rebecca Setterman (Joel) of Shawano, Wisconsin, Eliza Mulhern (Bill) of Cortland, New York and Rachael Hush (Doug) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Bill is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Portia, Ben and Ireland (Becky), Connor, Seamus and Mac (Eliza), and Olivia (Rachael). Bill and Betsy were also involved in the lives of their niece and nephew, Elizabeth Adams of Estes Park, Colorado and John Gronen (Mary, sons Jack and Will) of Dubuque, Iowa. Bill often said that raising his family was the life accomplishment he was most proud of, and he found joy in the success of each of his children and grandchildren.
In addition to being survived by his older brothers, daughters and grandchildren, he had many other nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed greatly. Although a full-time north woodsman, Bill was also a New Englander at heart and enjoyed visiting the Northeast, especially Maine for a full spread of lobster, steamers and lots of melted butter.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Dick, who passed away in 2014.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 10, 2018 at 9 am at the Hayward Funeral Home, 15571 W. County Highway B in Hayward, where visitation will be held from 9 until 10:30, at which time the service will begin. Interment will follow at the Clam Lake Cemetery with a gathering at the Clam Lake Community Club immediately thereafter.
Memorials in William’s name may be directed to St. Luke’s Medical Center or to the Clam Lake Community Club, P.O. Box 6, Clam Lake, WI 54517.
For additional information, please call the Hayward Funeral Home at 715-634-2609 or leave your condolences for the family online at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com.