William "Bill" Andrea

William Frederick Andrea- Bill to most, and Billy to a special few- passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, surround by his family and friends.

A lifelong resident of Spooner, WI, Bill was born on March 24, 1947, to the late William and Bette (Weaver) Andrea. The eldest of five children, he grew up on Summit Street with his three younger sisters and one younger brother. From an early age, Bill developed a deep love for Western movies and the Wild, Wild West. From legendary gunslingers to the vast, untamed landscapes, this admiration of freedom and heroism stayed with him throughout his life. In 1965, Bill graduated from Spooner High School and immediately joined the 724th Engineer Battalion of the Wisconsin National Guard where he specialized in combat engineering. He proudly served his country from 1965 to 1978, rising to the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge. During these years, the Andrea family owned and operated the Redwood Inn Tavern on Big McKenzie Lake where Bill helped run the business. It was here where he met the love of his life, Linda L. Lenard. The two were married on October 11, 1969, and together raised two sons. Bill was a devoted father- a constant, cheering presence who never missed a game or school event. Whether hunting, fishing, or spending long days on Big McKenzie Lake, he made being present in his sons’ lives his priority. Bill began his working years at Fairway Foods, a local grocery store run by his late father. Later, he worked as a milk delivery driver for Marigold Foods. In 1986, Bill and Linda purchased the business, renaming it Andrea Distributing, Inc. Together, they owned and operated the family-run company for more than 30 years. Bill had a lifelong passion for 1960s muscle cars and enjoyed talking about the classic cars he owned almost as much as he enjoyed driving them. He found great pleasure in the thunderous roar of a V8 engine and admired the timeless appeal of the sleek designs that defined the cars of that era. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed his trips to the casino, where he played the slots- never betting big, despite being known as a “lucky winner.” If his luck turned and you were standing too close, he was known to look you straight in the eye and tell you to “Move!” Bill also loved to travel, spending many family trips at their timeshares in Deadwood, SD and Sedona, AZ, where the views and nostalgia echoed scenes from the Western films he enjoyed as child. He found so much happiness in life, yet nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren and celebrating their every accomplishment. Known for his ever-present smile, positive outlook, big personality, and an endless supply of stories, Bill left a lasting impression on the hearts of all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his two sons: Scott (Sarah) Andrea of Spooner, WI, and Brian (Rebekah Streit) Andrea of Jim Falls, WI; his grandchildren: Colton (Gretchen) Andrea of Cottonwood, MN, and Thatcher and Reagan Andrea of Spooner, WI; one great-grandchild: Charis Jane Andrea of Cottonwood, MN; his sisters: Becky (Art) Hedlund, Beth (Marc) Kronlund, Brenda (William) Purdum; and his brother: Robert (Jill) Andrea.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda, and his parents.

A gathering to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 3-5pm, at the Spooner Funeral Home with a time of remembrance at 5pm. A burial with full military honors will take place at the Spooner Cemetery, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10am where both Bill and Linda will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Happy Day Club in Spooner, WI.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Dove Health Care and Regional Hospice Services and Palliative Care for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. 

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