William 'Bill' Brey Obituary - Cowsmo

October 22, 2025

William ‘Bill’ Brey Obituary

William (“Bill”) George Brey, age 73, a devoted husband and father, faithful steward of the land and humble servant of God, passed peacefully into eternal life on October 20, 2025. He was comforted by his family in his final days.

Bill was born on March 30, 1952, to George and Dorothy (Dionne) Brey in Sturgeon Bay. After graduating from Southern Door High School in 1970, he attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and graduated with a degree in Animal Science. Bill then returned home to the family farm, which was established by his grandfather in 1904.

Bill married the love of his life, Clarice (Wautier) on August 25, 1973. Together, Bill and Clarice built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and farming. They raised five children who all remained very close to Bill throughout his life and replicate his strong family values in their own lives. Bill’s eyes would light up whenever he would see his children, even as adults, and they all felt fiercely loved by him. Bill and Clarice were blessed with 15 grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them grow and succeed, encouraging them to take risks and work hard.

Bill had many close lifelong friends that he met through the dairy farming community and could make a connection with anyone he met through his genuine personality and the way he made others feel important. He had a knack for sharing stories with laughter and positive energy. People enjoyed visiting with Bill as he was always ready for a chat or a friendly game of cards. His enthusiasm and bright smile will leave a big hole in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill’s biggest passion was farming. When he took over the family farm with Clarice, they aptly named it “Cycle Farm,” as Bill believed life is made up of sacred seasons of sowing and reaping, growing and resting, and passing on what was once received. Whether in tending fields, raising animals, or raising children, he understood that each season held purpose, and that every harvest began with faithful hands and a trusting heart. Bill was proud to witness the award-winning Registered Holstein herd and farm transition to his sons and their families.

Bill’s belief in God guided his every step and gave him peace through all of life’s seasons, even as his health was declining. Through it all, he was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife of over 50 years, whose unwavering patience and compassion carried him through each day.

Bill is survived by his wife, Clarice; his children Christy (Nathan) Vogel, Angie (Mark) Ulness, Katie (Menno) Huiser, Anthony (Moriah), Jacob (Lauren); and his cherished grandchildren Chloe, Emily, and Caleb Vogel, Clarissa, Garrett, Whitney and Walker Ulness, Hugo, Oliver, and Julia Huiser, Evan and Alexa Brey, Rosella, Willem and Giselle Brey. He was also survived by his sisters Mary Jo Hafeman, Charlotte Bero and Barbara (Robert) Borkovetz; sisters-in-law Sharon (Larry) Jauquet, Marilyn Renard, and Theresa (Jim) Gartman; brothers-in-law Joseph (Beverly) Wautier, James (Penny) Wautier; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson Micah Morris Brey, parents George and Dorothy, father-in-law and mother-in-law Norman and Ethel Wautier and brothers-in-law Terry Bero, Dennis Hafeman, Ronald Renard and John Wautier.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 9:30-11 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the church at 11 a.m. with Reverend William Brunner and Deacon Mark Hibbs officiating, with burial immediately following.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Wolfram and staff at Bellin Cardiology and the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab Center in DePere for their compassionate care.

Bill’s work is complete and his hands rest from their labor. We rejoice that he has entered into the joy of his Lord (Matthew 25:21) where the fields are forever green and the harvest never ends. The seeds Bill planted — in the soil, in his faith and in the hearts of those he loved — will continue to grow for generations to come.

RELATED POSTS

Bill Brey

October 22, 2025

Articles, News

203948_web1_cows-and-recording-equipment-Mooanalytica_sn-964x1024

October 22, 2025

Articles, News

Scroll to Top