William graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors degree from the University of Illinois, and his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Toronto. 

He spent the vast majority of his career teaching at the college level, including courses taught at Arizona State University and then, for more than 22 years, as a tenured faculty member at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona.

He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Gail Garesche, his daughter and son-in-law, and his five grandchildren. 

Bill had a wide circle of friends, some with whom he climbed Piestewa Peak & North Mountain, others with whom he played Bridge or golf, friends with whom he and his wife traveled, and others with whom he taught at the College or were his students.

He ministered to many in his role as a lay pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. It is there that his funeral service was conducted on Sunday, February 27th. The funeral was live-streamed as it occurred, but will also be available on the Hansen Mortuaries & Cemetery website after the funeral. Live stream link https://vimeo.com/680492295