William “Bill” K. Narten, age 81, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Mary’s Home at Felician Village, Manitowoc.
Bill was born August 15, 1944 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, son of the late Kurt and Fern (Wickert) Narten. He attended Lincoln High School with the class of 1962 and worked at the Schmidtman Company for four years following graduation. In 1966, Bill embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, driving the historic Route 66 to California in his new Corvette. He infamously completed one semester at Orange Coast College before returning home to Manitowoc a few years later. Bill married the late Sandra “Sandie” (Vanden Heuvel) Schultz in 1969 and worked for the City of Manitowoc before becoming a Police Officer with the Manitowoc Police Department in 1970. Bill was a proud public servant until injury forced him into early retirement in 1992. During his career, he was awarded Officer of the Year in 1979 and served many years as a police union representative.
Anyone who knew Bill knew he lived and breathed sports. He was an exceptional all-around athlete in high school and beyond. He won numerous district slowpitch championships and was inducted into the Manitowoc County Softball Hall of Fame in 1998. Bill was a diehard fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers and never missed watching or listening to a game. His encyclopedic knowledge of sports history and stats was truly remarkable. Bill also had a passion for sports cars, attending auto shows whenever they were in the area, and was an avid Road America and Indy 500 fan.
Bill enjoyed collecting antiques and sports memorabilia, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, and listening to music – especially his beloved Rolling Stones. He was also a talented artist; from working with wood to drawing cartoons, his creations were impeccable. He even crafted wooden business signs for many local storefronts. Often described as a “character”, Bill always had a joke to tell and will be remembered for his animated sense of humor, legendary one-liners, and epic storytelling. He cared deeply for our country and his family, and despite many health challenges, remained steadfastly independent until his final days.
Bill is survived by two daughters: Shayna Narten (Ann Chapman), Two Rivers, and Liz (Kirsten) Robertson, Apple Valley, MN; six grandchildren: Blair (Martha) Hill, Hannah (Eric) Bromund, Shelby Narten (Derrick Rising Sun), Garrett Narten (Addison), Taj Robertson, and Indi Robertson; one great-grandson: Arlo Rising Sun; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Kurt and Fern Narten; uncles and aunts: Robert (Ann) Wickert and Elmer (Pat) Narten; and the mother of his children: Sandra (Vanden Heuvel) Schultz.
Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Deacon Alan Boeldt. Following the service, a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Bill will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Manitowoc.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc.
Bill’s interment date is a serendipitous occurrence his family would like to acknowledge. As a former police officer, the tragedy of 9/11 remained a significant historical event in Bill’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to a 9/11 charity of your choice.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, are assisting the Narten family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Theobald and Bill’s Aurora Health Care team, as well as the staff of St. Mary’s Home at Felician Village, Manitowoc, for the care and compassion they have shown Bill and his family.
