William "Bill" Doran

William B. Doran, age 70, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 29th, 2012 at his home in McFarland, WI after a long and valiant battle with myelofibrosis. Bill was born June 10th, 1942, in Hollandale, WI where he graduated from high school, and was raised in the proud farming traditions of southern Wisconsin, and for him, the prouder still traditions of his Irish heritage. It wouldn't surprise those who knew him to hear a rumor that St. Patrick gave St. Peter the day off just to greet Bill with a hearty céad míle fáilte.

In business, he was successful. After proudly serving in the United States Army, he embarked on what would prove to be a passionate and lifelong career in farm equipment sales, where he gained the trust, respect, and admiration of many, some of whom were counted among his closest friends. During his 27 years with Allis-Chalmers, he was nationally recognized three times with Distinguished Salesman of the Year honors. In April of 1998, he founded DDSI, a thriving independent equipment distribution business that he built and developed with his son Bob, who continues to operate and grow the company.

Bill had a unique understanding of people, a quick wit, an infectious smile, and the type of positive attitude that was nearly unstoppable. If he was a friend, he was a fiercely loyal friend. If he was family, he was much more than that. About 12 years ago he began work on a lifelong dream of building a cabin near Tomahawk, WI. He was an avid snowmobiler, enjoyed the north woods of Wisconsin, and most of all loved spending time with family and friends. The cabin was built by the hands of family and friends, and for that reason, it was among the greatest sources of pride and happiness for him.

While he loved the cabin, family was always and without question his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a great lover of travel and shared this love with his children. Together with his wife Kathy, he showed them the world, visiting tropical islands, purple mountains, blue oceans, and on a couple of occasions, the Emerald Isle. He was someone looking forward, someone too busy laughing, and someone too busy living to be bowed by an illness that took him too young.

He is loved and survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen (Judd) Doran, his sons Robert (Sara) Doran of Blanchardville, and Steven (Ellen) Doran of Monona, his 'favorite daughter' Suzanne (Michael) McManigal of McFarland, three grandchildren (Taylor, Devon, Grant), and his sisters Jackie (Dom) Mangardi, Beverly Scullion, and Donna Mae Klarer. He will also be missed by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and their children, and of course by Bailey, his golden retriever. He is preceded in death by his beloved son Jimmy, his parents John & Lillian (Curran) Doran, his brother Ron, and brother-in-law Joe Klarer.

A visitation for Bill Doran will be held on Thursday, November 1st from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hollandale. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Veteran's honors will be provided by the United States Military and the Olaf Martinson American Legion Post #510 of Hollandale. A funeral lunch will follow at Country Side Lanes in rural Hollandale. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com

The family wishes to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to Dr. David Hei and Dr. Dennis Gastineau, whose care and guidance made a profound and significant impact on our lives, and who gave us the gift of time, which we used to make memories we will cherish always.