William "Bill" E. Zierke, Jr.

Bill was born on August 6, 1931 in La Crosse. His parents, William and Minnie, raised him with Depression Era values to appreciate everything you have and cherish those blessings. He lived those values every day.

Bill, 94 will be joining his parents and siblings Lucille (Fred) Albers, Gerald (Caroline) Zierke, Loraine (Orville) Renslo, for another round of martinis and some big band music.

Bill is survived by his wife Elaine (Proksch), with 69 years of marriage, his "favorite" daughter, Cheryl (Dave) Price, Richard (Lori) Zierke and Mike (Sue) Zierke. Grandchildren; David (Kristi) Price, Sarah (Chris) Siewert, Barb (Byron) Hartman and Stephanie Zierke. His 'most special' are the great-grandchildren; Kennedy Siewert, Ty and Savannah Rogers. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with his sister-in-law, Sandy Proksch, and Godson, Scott (Karla) Proksch in which he enjoyed special relationships.

Bill graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1949. He was a proud member and the last surviving member of the '49ers' club, made up of high school classmates who enjoyed Wednesday morning breakfasts for many years.

Bill grew up on Denton Steet, whereas a 12-year-old, he had a neighborhood paper route that included Gunderson Hospital. He spoke proudly of that duty to every one of the incredible care workers at his recent stay at Gunderson Hospital. After high school, Bill worked a couple places, but in 1952, his American dream and lifelong passion began at the Recreation Lanes. This, coincidentally, a bowling alley, was where nearly all marriage partners were found, and no different for Bill and Elaine. In 1960, Bill began working at the Holiday 40 Lanes until 1967, when he became the manager of Pla Mor Lanes. In those years, Bill was one of the top bowlers in the region winning many tournaments and setting several scoring records. One of Bill's greatest accolades was his graciousness in defeat; he was a fierce competitor, but honored friendship and respect in higher regard. Since 1952, Bill had numerous national honor scores, a ninth-place finish at the National Bowling Tournament in 1965, along with the first 800 series in La Crosse in 1967. His life work in the La Crosse bowling industry earned him the moniker 'The Legend' and will forever be known as such. His son, Dick, purchased Pla Mor Lanes in 1999, and a hire of nepotism, Dick put his father back to work for a decade! Bill was inducted in the first class of the La Crosse Bowling Hall of Fame, has a tournament called the 'Legend Open' for young bowlers to earn scholarship money for higher education, and finally, a burger, the 'Legend Burger' at Pla Mor Lanes.

Bill had a second passion, art. He enjoyed art as a young boy and carried that enjoyment to the fullest. He had a great appreciation for nature and landscapes which made every view and photograph a potential work of art. Bill will be eternally known for his remarkable talent with a brush where every stroke brought the beauty of the world to his canvas. After many awards and achievements for his art, he became an artist with Wild Wings and through them, he was contracted by Lang Calendar Company. His beautiful barn paintings caught their attention and thus, the 'On the Farm' calendar by Bill Zierke has been a perennial favorite to people around the world.

Bill has given the celebration of Earth Day a new meaning and above all, he will be remembered!

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:30 PM at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Onalaska. Pastor Shane Krause will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of services. A luncheon and gathering will follow services until 3:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Pla Mor Lanes from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, with a toast to Bill at 6:00 PM.