William "Bill" R. Risgaard

William (Billy) R. Risgaard age 75 of Rio, was called home by our Lord on Wednesday January 17th, 2018 at the behest of our Lord, so in Billy fashion he jumped out of his bed at the Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena, picked up his favorite AM radio, put the single ear piece in his ear and began to walk, and he walked and he walked and he walked and he walked right up to Heaven.

Billy strolled into our Lord’s arms without any sign of a limp, without anyone’s eyes judging, only to God’s smile. Billy continued to walk down to the local ball field where he found his big brother Jim or Bomber as most know him and as he approached, Bomber asked Billy, “Brother, would you like a catch”, and for the first time the two Risgaard boys played catch while their Father Spec and Mother Alice along with his Sister-in-law Diane smiled and watched on.  

Billy was born March 11th, 1942 to Soren (Spec) and Alice (Boutwell) Risgaard and raised in Rio. He attended and graduated from a trade school in Fond du Lac, WI. Billy lived with his mother Alice in Rio and from time to time would take a job. One of his most favorites was his position as a janitor at the Rio Glove Factory. Billy enjoyed the camaraderie and loved talking to the other workers. He was proud to be a part the Rio community, but most importantly Billy enjoyed his time at the Rio Redeemer Lutheran Church. When you walked through the doors of the church on Sunday the first person you usually met was Billy enjoyed handing out the church service programs and singing in the choir but loved listening to the sermons especially those by Pastor Ann.

Billy is survived by his YOUNGER Brother Daniel and nephew James (Sandra) Risgaard and niece Robyn Risgaard and great nephews Cole and Soren and great niece Brynn Risgaard.

Billy also leaves behind some individuals like Bob and Helen Risgaard, Don and Sally Hohlstein, Bob Adams, and Tom Jacobson. The family would like to send out a gracious thank you to these folks and anyone else who was kind to Billy from time to time. The family would also like to extend a thank you to the residence at Wyocena who were instrumental in making Billy feel as though he was living in another loving community and also for their kindness and care. I remember the last time my family visited Billy. In his wheelchair we rolled out of the room and as we strolled through the residence Billy would say, “He was in the Army” and “She was a music teacher” and “this gentleman has a black dog who sits outside his door.” When it came time for dinner, I pushed Billy up to his spot around the table and there was a lady constantly speaking almost like asking questions that I couldn’t make out, and Bill looked up and said, “She just likes to Talk.” Always seeming to find a good side to people was Billy’s gift.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 22 at 11 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio with Rev. Ann Walsvik officiating. Burial at Lowville Cemetery will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Lastly: “Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.”…Steven Wright

“Now shall I walk or shall I ride? Ride, Pleasure said; Walk, Joy replied.” …W. H. Davies

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