William “Bill” Quarles Pirie

William “Bill” Quarles Pirie, 88, of Minocqua passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 11, surrounded by his wife, Isabelle, and their five children. Bill was born on February 7, 1936 in Evanston, Ill. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, John Thomas Pirie II and Alice Quarles Pirie, his sisters Harriet Pirie Pillsbury and Alice Pirie Wirtz, and his infant son, William Quarles Pirie Jr.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman, happiest in a deer stand, on a trout stream, in a fishing boat, or on the golf course enjoying time with friends and family. Known among his peers as a skilled hunter and marksman, Bill felt at home in the woods and cherished every moment spent outdoors. Bill attended high school at North Shore Country Day School in Wilmette, Ill. before attending Hanover College in Indiana, earning a bachelor’s degree. A talented high school and college athlete, his passion for sports, especially baseball, led him to a tryout and post-collegiate offer from the Chicago Cubs as a prospective catcher.

On June 21, 1958, Bill married his longtime sweetheart, Isabelle “Bitsy” Luick, in Winnetka, Ill. Bill began his career working for Carson Pirie Scott & Co. and worked for the company for a decade. Bill and Bitsy spent 10 years of marriage in the north shore area of Chicago before moving their growing family to the Northwoods, which they have called home ever since. There, Bill opened the Minocqua Marine Mart in 1969, turning his love for the water into a successful business venture for over 10 years. After selling the marina, Bill embarked on a new venture by partnering with six investors to establish the 1st National Bank of Minocqua & Woodruff. Years later, the bank merged with another institution and became part of BMO Harris Bank. After becoming empty nesters, Bill and Bitsy embraced the snowbird lifestyle, splitting their time between the Northwoods and a golf community in Apopka, Fla.

Active in the greater Minocqua community, Bill was a dedicated member of the Minocqua Lions Club, the Howard Young Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors, the Lakeland Rotary Club, the Restless Weasels, and a regular at the Minocqua Men’s Morning Coffee Group. Bill was a proud member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and had a love for collecting Civil War era firearms. His commitment to the community and his strong sense of camaraderie touched the lives of those around him.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Isabelle; their five children, Laura (Jack) Ziegler, John Pirie, Susan (Scot) Bassett, Ginny Pirie, and Billy (Jacqueline) Pirie; and seven beloved grandchildren: Claire Ziegler, Billy (Jessica) Ziegler, Emmah Pirie, Sam Pirie, Mia Pirie, Olivia Bassett, and Franklin Plahuta.

Visitation took place on Thursday, October 17, at Bolger Funeral Home in Woodruff. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Minocqua. Private interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Howard Young Foundation or the Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt in Bill’s honor. Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.