William Carl “Billy” Golke

PORTAGE – William Carl “Billy” Golke, age 61, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Billy was born on April 5, 1963, in Wisconsin, the son of Eugen and Janet (Arntson) Golke. He had worked as a flooring tile setter at Maly Tile for 30+ years.  Billy enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He loved his dogs and music, playing guitar, and beekeeping, his life-long dream.

He is survived by his life partner, Joy Osterholt;  his children, Mitchell (Taylor) Golke, Dylan Golke Kelly Golke, Naomi Golke and Skylyn (Logan) Leonard; his mother, Janet Gardner; his siblings, John Golke, Jeff (Cindy) Gardner, Reiny (Lynn) Gardner, Terry Gardner, Tim Gardner and Jackie (Sam) Galliger;  his grandchildren, Lynlee Leonard, Rowan Golke and Brinley Gardner;  the mother of his sons, Lisa Fish;  his dogs, Buster and Mercy;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugen Golke, his step-father, Marvin Gardner, his sister, Cheryl Golke and his grandson, Lincoln Leonard; and his step-brother, James Gardner.

Memorial services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Rev. Michele Hopp officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare and the staff at UW Carbone Clinic.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.