William H. Kissinger died peacefully at his eastside home, July 24, 2026, just four months shy of his 100th birthday.

Bill was born in Milwaukee to Howard and Katherine Kissinger in December 1926. A graduate of Rufus King High School (class of 1944) he would go on to study electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin (class of 1948) where he met his future wife, Bernadette Rommelfanger (Bernie). Married in September of 1948, they began their family in Milwaukee.

In 1953 they opted for country life and moved to rural Pewaukee. Over the years Bill added on to the Pewaukee home to make room for their growing family. In 1966, having outgrown the country house they moved back to the city, settling into a large stately home on Milwaukee’s east side.

Bill worked tirelessly to advance his career and provide for his family. Beginning in 1949, he joined GM’s AC-Electronics / Delco Electronics. During his 37-year career he held numerous roles of increasing product and manufacturing engineering responsibility. Alongside many talented colleagues, his teams designed and built navigational controls for missiles, commercial and military aircraft, and the Apollo space program; and the first on-board computers in automobiles.

Over the years Bill could be found doing a variety of home improvements, including renting scaffolding to paint the “Lake Drive House.” He meticulously planned family vacations to California, Maine, Canada, and a memorable camping trip out west. And he enthusiastically followed his youngest children’s sporting events while attending football games and swimming meets.

Nearing retirement in 1987, Bill and Bernie made another move to an idyllic setting in Thiensville. There they tended to extensive gardens and hosted many family parties with Bill providing famous lawn tractor rides for the grandkids.

In retirement he became an avid golfer, shooting every golfer’s dream of a hole in one, not once, but twice!

After Bernie’s death in 2005, Bill moved back to Milwaukee’s east side. He spent his remaining years golfing, spending winters in Mexico and living life to the fullest.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Bernadette; infant grandson, Gunther Huberty; sons-in-law, John Huberty and John Yard; and companion, Patricia Ring.

He is survived by his companion, Marsha Roberts; his 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren:

Susan Huberty and children Garth (Raquel) Huberty and their children Lana and Mila; and Greta (Brent) Harrison and their children Heidi and Charles.

Cathy Kissinger.

Bill A. Kissinger (Diane VanDerhei) and children Natalie Kissinger (Ibou Diop) and their children Noa, Amel and Mikkola; Claire Kissinger; and Kim Kissinger.

John Kissinger (Debra) and children Courtney; Derek; and Dylan (Elyssa) and son Wesley.

Mary Kissinger.

Doug (Anne) Kissinger, and children Charlotte; Hershel; Oliver; and Lucia (Chris) Lee and their daughter Maisie.

Beth (Tom) Rodgers and daughter Maddi (Anthony) Rosenthal and their son Jackson.

Bill will be buried with his parents in Ripon, Wi.

A celebration of life will be held on October 17th, 2-4pm at the Milwaukee Athletic Club.