William Crist

William R. "Bill" Crist, age 76 of Darlington, WI passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington after battling with the side effects of cancer treatments for years after his remission. He was born October 18, 1947, in Platteville, WI the son of Ross and Magdalen (Aurit) Crist. Bill lived in Darlington his entire life and graduated from Darlington High School in 1965. After school, Bill worked locally until going to Beloit to school and becoming a police officer. He worked for the City of Darlington as a police officer and then Lafayette County Sherriff's Office. Bill also volunteered as an EMT during those years. He married Victoria White on May 6, 1972, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. In 1979, Bill began his own business, Bill Crist & Son Inc. He worked tirelessly for many years until retiring. He then sold the business to his son Casey, who continues it today. Bill is survived by his wife Vicki; his children: Casey (Jenny) Crist and Jill (Josh) Johnson both of Darlington; his grandchildren that he absolutely adored: Emma, Cody, and Mazie Crist, Torie Crist, Arthur and Lainey Johnson; three brothers: Robert Crist (Judith), Dennis (Sherry) Crist, and Steve (Gina) Crist all of Darlington; two sisters: Shirley Stauffacher and Geralyn McGuire both of Darlington; and many nieces and nephews that were all important to him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Clyde White and Ruth White Shultz; his step-father-in-law: Allen Shultz; a sister-in-law: Barb King; and a brother and sister-in-law: Barry and Ruth Ann King. Bill was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and its Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed hosting the Monday Morning Coffee Crew. When Bill wasn't working, he loved to be on his farm with his family. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and especially the Darlington Redbirds. Bill's family was the most important thing to him. He cherished the time he spent with them and always made sure to support his children and grandchildren in anything they took part in. He always loved a good card game, the last being on his birthday with the grandkids. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. Luke Syse officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main St., Darlington and on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Bill's name.