William R Tehan

William Robert Tehan, 68, of Wausau - a man of faith, integrity, courage, generosity, and honor - passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with his loving wife Jean at his side.

Bill was born on August 29, 1956, to Robert and Audrey (Pierick) Tehan in Milwaukee. He and his younger brother, Paul, thrived in a home where tennis, sailing on Lake Michigan, civic engagement, public service, and political involvement were the norm. His grandfather served as a federal judge and his father was a named partner in a prominent Milwaukee law firm. World travel was a family priority, and a favorite photo was of Bill fighting a bull in Buenos Aires in his youth. Bill was an avid photographer. His parents added a darkroom for developing photos of school events, Bucks games, and other treasures. He was raised to be an avid Badger fan and an ardent Packer fan. His mother filled their home with her exceptional skills on the piano and his parents had an active social life under the guise of playing bridge.

Bill attended Nicolet High School and the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Business. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1981.

Bill made many lifelong friends in high school and in college, where he met Jean during their time as University Housing housefellows. They married on August 18, 1979, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Madison, and were best friends and soulmates for over 46 years.

Bill was a partner with Ruder Ware of Wausau. He valued the professionalism, integrity, and collegial spirit of the firm and was proud to be a part of such a talented and dedicated group of professionals for his entire legal career. He practiced primarily in the area of business and commercial law, focusing on corporate mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, corporate finance transactions, construction contracts, and transactions involving software licensing and the internet. He embraced the mantra “What do you need and how can I help?” which was instilled early in his career by a treasured client and friend. His recent retirement celebration was a profoundly moving and proud moment for him, and was shared with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Through his civic engagement, Bill was a driving force and guiding hand behind many community initiatives and organizations.

The performing arts in Wausau flourished during nearly 30 years of his service as secretary and president of the Grand Theatre Foundation, and as past chair and president of the Wausau Area Performing Arts Foundation. The economic and community development of northcentral Wisconsin benefited from Bill’s expertise and passion as president of Centergy, Inc., a member of the Governor’s Business Council for the State of Wisconsin, a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, and a member of Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation. His focus on volunteerism and philanthropic efforts led him to serve in multiple leadership roles within the Wausau Rotary Club and its Uthrotar program. He was especially proud to serve as director of the Ray and Marie Goldbach Foundation.

Bill was involved with Newman Catholic Schools in roles such as chair of planning committees, executive committees, and pastoral planning committees. His Catholic faith brought him into service for the Diocese of La Crosse Episcopal Commission for Catholic Schools and for St. Ambrose Financial Services. He also held leadership roles in organizations including Wausau Soccer Club, Rainbo Lodge, and the Blue Lake Preservation Association. His inspiration for this service was to “do it for the children.”

Bill’s most cherished roles were that of dad and grandpa. He was passionate about his family’s interests, and attended nearly all sports events for his kids and grandkids. Family time was a sacred priority; family meals were together, whatever the time or however late.

Family has treasured memories of traveling, especially Walt Disney World trips, to Ireland, and most recently to England and Scotland for his niece’s wedding. He loved spending time up north at Rainbo Lodge and at the lake home near Minocqua, where he enjoyed pontoon boat rides, fishing, grilling, golf, and adventurous rides in his golf cart. His grandkids have cherished memories of playing cribbage, golfing in Scotland, watching documentaries, being up north, riding around in the pontoon boat, and cuddling on the couch while watching movies together with a fire in the fireplace.  

Bill’s surviving family includes his wife Jean Tehan, Wausau; children Kati (Jeremy) Goetsch and Bill E. Tehan, Jr; grandchildren Elise, James, and Corrine; brother Paul Tehan; and uncle Ken Pierick. The family welcomed Lukas (Luci) Kendera as a son through the Global Outreach student exchange program at Newman Catholic High School. Bill’s family also includes treasured in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and other aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be at St. Michael Catholic Church, 615 Stark Street, Wausau, Wisconsin, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A private Rite of Committal will take place at a later date at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Woodruff, Wisconsin.

Memorials would be appreciated by a charity of your choice. Causes near to Bill’s heart were the Grand Theater’s Second Century Capital Campaign (401 N. 4th St, Wausau WI 54403) and Newman Catholic Schools (1130 W. Bridge St, Wausau WI 54401).

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Peterson and the incredible team at Aspirus Cancer Care in Wausau and to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their compassionate support.