William James Gartside Jr.

MSgt. William James Gartside, Jr., USAF (Ret.) of Greenfield passed away peacefully on November 19, 2019 surrounded by family and friends at the age of 90. He was born in Leopolis, Wisconsin. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (married 60 years), his sisters Rosalie (husband James) and Rosemary, sons John (wife Melanie) and William (wife Antara), and two grandchildren (Devak and Annelle); as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Lena and William, brother Dale, and sister Arlene of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His epitaph is from II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”; as well as in his own words “I love you, what more is there to say”. He enjoyed life. He loved his family, served his country, and saw the world. He and Barbara travelled together from North America to South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves out of high school, serving with them for four years, before later joining the Air Force and serving on Active Duty in the Korean War. He continued his service in the Air National Guard as a full-time Air Reserve Technician with the 128th Air Refueling Wing for over 30 years of service when he retired from the United States Air Force. He had a second career as a Wisconsin State Security Police Officer performing ramp security operations at Mitchell Field in Milwaukee and the home of his own 128th Air Refueling Wing. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing Retiree Activities Group. His hobbies included football, birdwatching, comedy, listening to classical music, and travelling. He loved watching The Three Stooges, listening to thunderstorms, rooting for the Chicago Bears, and discussing the spiritual. He cherished the time that he spent with his family and friends. He was a regular at his retiree luncheons and at the local breakfast counter telling jokes. His charm, sense of humor, and wit were legendary. Visitation will be held at Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel at 4747 S. 60th Street in Greenfield, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 23rd from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The Memorial Service at 12:30 PM will include Military Honors as well as Catholic funeral prayers. Interment will be at Good Hope Cemetery in Greenfield, Wisconsin. In lieu of gifts, the family requests donations be made to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin, the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Seelos, or the Friends of the Shrine of Saint Joseph.