Born on April 13, 1961, in Ely, MN, Bill was the son of William "Luke" Werner Hamlin and Mary Lee (Dietzler) Hamlin.
He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1979, and then Bill attended the University of Wisconsin Stout. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology – Product Development in 1985 and also received his Associates of Applied Science Degree – Mechanical Design 1982. Bill worked in the consulting engineering and manufacturing fields as a designer for electrical systems and controls, water treatment skid systems, HVAC systems, and structural detailing at Siemens Water Technologies, Lang Associates, Clark Dietz, and Wausau Windows and Walls. Bill most recently was employed at Steel King Industries of Stevens Point as a Senior Designer of pallet racking systems. Bill was an all-in employee, taking on the difficult projects and prided himself in providing training and mentoring the newer employees.
Bill was a man of many passions including: summer family trips to Ely, MN to canoe, fish and visit his mother who vacationed there for the summer, camping with family and friends, collecting and riding motorcycles, snowmobiling in the winter, and a blood bank donor of more than 100 units in total. Bill dreamed of retiring and starting his own brewery, he enjoyed making his beer and recently began making wine to share. He didn't care if it was an award-winning beer, he only cared that someone could enjoy it.
One of his greatest joys was being a part of the boys' boy scouting adventure. Bill was a Cubmaster for Pack 462 and instrumental in helping restart Pack 400 and Troop 400. He was a parent committee member in Troop 409 for a total of 25 years witnessing firsthand our sons attain the rank of a Life Scout and two as Eagle Scouts. Bill stayed on as an adult leader to offer leadership for Troop 400 after his sons finished scouting. He built many relationships with leaders and scouts along the way that he cherished.
Bill was often known as the guy who would go out of his way to help a friend or someone in need. He was a faithful Christian man seeing the best in everyone with a great sense of humor. He was most proud of his sons and the men they have become. He was a devoted husband and father who cherished time with his family and his dog, Maisie.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Melody (Schickert); his children, Hunter Hamlin (fiancée, Lauren Lonski) of Milwaukee, David Hamlin of Wausau, and Dylan Hamlin of Wauwatosa; siblings, Helen (Rick) Schroder of Hugo, MN, Phil Hamlin of Tomahawk, and Rob (Kathy) Hamlin of Mantorville, MN; in-laws, Larry (Toni) Schickert, Lance (Carmen) Schickert of Gretna, NE, Lonny (Stacy) Schickert of Rhinelander; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, William "Luke" Hamlin.
