William Andrew Roberts
William Andrew Roberts
William Andrew Roberts, age 88 of Baraboo passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Wisconsin Dells. William, son of George and Beulah (Garrett) Roberts was born Aug. 17, 1926 in Pennsylvania. William attended Baraboo High School and graduated in the class of 1944. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps; his intent was to be a pilot but being only 17 years old, they made him a heavy machine airborne gunner during WW II. During the Korean War he was tested and found to have the 7th highest IQ test at that time in the history of the Marine Corps. Even with knowing that, William still chose to be a gunner. After his time in the war, he became an engineer and worked with Wernher von Braun in rocket technology in the United States. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Catherine Slater. Together they had two children; Diane C. Roberts and William D. Roberts. Dorothy preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 2003. He later married Virginia P. Crane; who had three children, Douglas (Diane) Crane, Thomas (Patti) Crane and Mary (Dan) Schmitz. He is further survived by 4 grandchildren, Olivia, Joseph, Jennifer and Joshua; great-granddaughter, Sunny; brothers, Richard Roberts and Donald (Fran) Roberts; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; Dorothy and wife, Virginia; brothers, George "Bob" Robert and Jack Roberts.Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Walnut Hill Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Marianne Cotter officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Eagles Nest Detachment Marine Corps League. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.