William "Bill" James Magoon

William "Bill" James Magoon went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 4, 2026. His family praises God for giving Bill two additional years to be a husband, father, Papa, uncle and friend after he was diagnosed with stage four cancer in the fall of 2024. Bill's deep devotion to his faith, family and friends were all the hallmarks of a life well lived.

Bill will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Julie; his son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Jewel Magoon; and his daughter, Christie Magoon. Each of Bill's three grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and his role "Papa" included countless adventures, treats, and laughs. His grandchildren are Mae Magoon, Carter Kelley and Laila Kelley.

Bill was a true people person. He was friendly, approachable and always willing to listen to someone in need. He was humble and had a wonderful sense of humor. Some of his funniest stories were at his own expense, recounting an embarrassing predicament or unusual situation he had somehow found himself in. Bill was extraordinarily generous with both his and resources and was always looking for ways to encourage others. Above all, he wanted people to know that they were loved by God. Those closest to Bill also knew another side of him; he was a gifted writer of poetry, much of it inspired by his deep faith and love for God.

Bill was a lifelong financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, where he served his clients for 50 years. He greatly enjoyed the relationships he built with his clients and always sought to serve them with integrity and genuine concern for their families.

William James Magoon was born in Marquette, Michigan, to Norman and Nellie Magoon on April 17, 1946. He graduated from Stevens Point High School and became a college agent for Northwestern Mutual in 1967 while attending Northern Michigan University. Before graduating from NMU in 1970, Bill married Julie Winnell of Petoskey, Michigan, in June 1969. The couple moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Bill continued his career with Northwestern Mutual and Julie began teaching elementary school. During this time, Bill also served for six years in the Army National Guard.

Bill and Julie became born-again Christians in 1974 through the non-denominational ministry of Jim and Maxine Ericson. As his faith grew, Bill became involved in music ministry and Bible teaching and later served as a church elder. Over the years, Bill participated in men's ministry groups in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Denmark and Sheboygan - and wherever there was a call for prayer or an opportunity to share his faith.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Norman Magoon; his mother, Nellie Magoon; his brother, Richard Paul Magoon; his father-in-law, Hugh Winnel; Hugh's first wife, Vera Jean Winnell, and second wife, Marge Winnell; his sister-in-law, Catherine Winnell; and his brother-in-law, Steve Andrews. His surviving extended family includes members of the Garceau, Lafreniere, Winnell, Andrews, Potts and Richards families.

Bill's family will miss his stories, his laughter, his encouragement and the unconditional love he showed them throughout his life. Yet they are comforted by the faith hat defined Bill's life and sustained him through his final years. Bill spent decades reminding others of God's love and pointing them twoards Jesus Christ. His family takes great comfort in knowing that the faith he so faithfully shared with others has now been realized for eternity.

Bill leaves behind a legacy measured not simply by the years he lived or the things he accomplished, but by the people he loved, encouraged and pointed towards God. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Perhaps Bill expressed his faith and hope for eternity best in his own poetry:

"I've hear that I will walk someday, beside the crystal sea

I've heard that there are streets of gold and mansions made for me

I've heard that sin and sickness there will surely fade away

I know that I will see my Christ on that unequaled day

This is all before me now, it's held in faith today

Yet my Savior is all around me now, I can see him everyday

I see shimmer through green boughs in golden rays of light

I see him dancing on the streams like diamonds big and bright

I hear him rustle through the leaves in gentle breeze at night

I see him as the sparrow flies, the geese in V formed flight"

-Excerpt from "He's Very Near to Thee," by Bill Magoon

A Funeral Ceremony to honor Bill will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Living Hope Church (1840 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54303) at 4:00 PM with Pastor Jerry Bruette officiating. Family and friends may gather for Visitation starting at 2:00 PM until the time of service. 

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to Adult & Teen Challenge (999 N Military Ave, Howard, WI 54303).