Obituaries & Guestbook

William Taylor Swann, known affectionately as Bill, passed away on August 18, 2024, in Sheboygan, WI, at the age of 71. Born on March 14, 1953, in Battle Creek, MI, Bill spent four decades working at the Kohler Company, where he was not only a dedicated employee but also a friend to many.

The way he died is just like how he lived: he defied all odds, wrote his own rules, paved his own way, never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend (even while hospitalized), and he loved fiercely.

Bill was a simple, hard-working man who found joy in hunting, fishing, travel and his family. Retirement, “where every day is Saturday” as he liked to joke, was his reward for an extensive career at Kohler, though his real passion was fishing, and any day he was on the open sea.

An accomplished and award-winning fisherman, Bill competed on the tournament fishing circuit early in his career and even started a fishing guide service, turning his passion into a side career and passing this love and expertise onto his children and grandchildren. Bill was known for his warmth, generous spirit and a genuine curiosity about others that allowed him to create meaningful connections and spread joy wherever he found himself.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories among all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and five children: Heather Swann (and fiancé Kevin Kingsley), Jessica Swann (and husband Brian Curry), Reuben Swann (and partner Crystal Samplaski), Rachel Swann (and partner Olivia Speranza) and Michael Swann (and wife Brenda).

His stepchildren Wendy Siegert, Shelby(Chris) Matter, Amy Salano-Lara, Michael Siegert, Julie (Jacob) Baizley and numerous step grandchildren.

He is also survived by two sisters, Linda Hutson (and husband Robert), Colleen Israels-Branch (and husband David) and one brother, Michael Swann (and wife Diana), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was also blessed with many beloved grandchildren, of whom he was fiercely proud, using Facebook as his public brag book for highlighting their accomplishments and sharing accolades — and he always had an encouraging word to share. His delightful grandchildren take after him, as accomplished outdoor adventurers themselves: Jack Curry, Drew Fex, Sadie Fisher, Damon Fisher, Jessica Meengs, Isis Swann, Ivin Swann, Lauren Swann and Michael Swann. Bill also had one great-granddaughter Emma and was eagerly expecting his second later this year. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Swann and Geraldine Swann and his sister, Sherry Swann.

Bill’s family will host a private celebration of his life in Sheboygan and will follow with a “wind in your hair” boat ride on Lake Michigan – one of his favorite fishing spots – where a oneness with nature and wildlife always brought him peace and joy. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Catch a Dream Foundation (Catch-A-Dream Foundation (catchadream.org) an organization that provides once-in-a-lifetime fishing trips and outdoor adventures to children under 18 who have a life-threatening illness. Bill’s life and contributions will not be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to live on and inspire those who were fortunate to know him.