William "Bill" John Bywater

William John Bywater, age 69, better known as Bill, of Shawano, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, surrounded by his daughters and siblings.

Bill was born on August 16, 1956, in Milwaukee to the late Donald and Virginia Bywater. He graduated from Custer High School. He started working at Red Carpet Lanes and met Sue Meller, whom he married in 1977. He then started his longtime career at Wisconsin Lift Truck Corporation in Brookfield, Wisconsin in the rental department. Later in life, he made the move up to Shawano, Wisconsin, where he loved the outdoors and tended to his late father’s lawn and plants. That was his happy place. Bill was a helper. He was always prepared to help anyone in need and showed up for everyone. He will be missed dearly by his large family and many friends.

Bill is survived by his children, Shannon (Eric) Doberstein and Nicole Powell: grandchildren, Lakin and Landon Powell, Mya and Maci Doberstein, and ex-wife, Sue Immel. He is further survived by his siblings; Howard (Judy) Bywater, Betty (Marty) Elmer, Linda (Jim) Buschman, Richard (Karen) Bywater, Robert (Jorja) Bywater, Janet (Barry) Boll and Debbie (Doug) Wendt; godson, Michael Boll; stepmother, Sharon Bywater; “adopted” sisters Dawn (Mike) Sowles and Denise (Todd) Blaubach and many nieces, nephews and family members and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Virginia Bywater; stepmother, Joyce Bywater; siblings, Patricia (Robert) Schiebenes and Donna (Mike) Mayer and niece, Dawn Buschman.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 8th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. with a small ceremony at 5:00 p.m. where stories will be shared by family members and anyone else in attendance who would like to speak, at the Masonic Lodge in Shawano (2324 E Richmond St). A Celebration of Life will follow at the Lighthouse Bar & Grill.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Theda Care ICU and hospice departments in Neenah for their continued care of Bill.