William H. McCarthy Jr., age 77, of Vesper, WI, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids.

Memorial services will at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Seneca Corners, 5470 Highway D, Vesper.  Rev. Bruce Hoffmann will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date at St. Paul’s Lutheran Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.  Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

William was born February 23,1941 in Wisconsin Rapids to William H. and Dora (Westover) McCarthy.   He was united in marriage to Karen Stensberg on June 4, 1960 in Wisconsin Rapids.

William was employed as a forklift operator in the yard for Consolidated Papers Inc., later Stora Enso for 45 years, retiring in 2003.  He and Karen also farmed beef cattle from 1967 until 1992, when they sold their farming operation to another generation of family.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  His favorite place to be was in his tree stand in the big pine tree up on the hill at the farm.  He and Karen enjoyed camping with family and friends and attending grandchildren’s sporting events.

William is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen; two sons, Rodney of Vesper and Edward (Patricia) of Wisconsin Rapids; three grandchildren: Jessica (Andy) Edwards, Amber (Justin) Fuller and Brad McCarthy (Heather Eck); five great-grandchildren: Wyatt Fuller, Waylon Fuller, Kennedy Edwards, Westin Fuller and Sadie Edwards; and two sisters: Beverly Kedrowski and Thea (Tom) Provost of Wisconsin Rapids.  He is preceded in death by his parents; five sisters: Neoma Bruner, Donna McCarthy, Marlene “Chuckie” McCarthy, Phyllis McCarthy and Nancy Smith; and three brothers: Dennis McCarthy, Ronald McCarthy and Timothy McCarthy.

The McCarthy family would like to thank the staff of Arborview Court and Heartland Hospice for providing William with excellent care, in addition to Herman-Taylor Funeral Home for their support and assistance with arrangements.