Full Obituary

     William Andrew “Bill” Stasila, age 77, a beacon of resilience and pure Polish stubbornness, passed away at his home in Thorp, Wisconsin on January 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma.
     Born on July 14, 1948 in West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, IL, Bill touched the lives of all who knew him with his twinkly, mischievous sense of humor, willingness to lend a hand, and unwavering work ethic.  Throughout his journey with cancer, he exemplified an extraordinary will to do meaningful work and continue to care for his loved ones, inspiring everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
     Bill attended Sterling School in rural Thorp from grades 1-6, then attended Thorp Public School from grades 7-12.  After his graduation in 1966, he worked for Thorp Pipe and Supply until starting his electrician apprenticeship under Roshell Electric of Chippewa Falls.  He graduated his apprenticeship in 1971, and began his career as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 14.  He spent 30 years of his career working for Wisconsin Electric of Eau Claire, WI, owned and operated by JG Stocks.  He retired in October 2010 while working for NEI Electric of Eau Claire, WI.  In retirement, he served as a transportation engineer for Courtesy Auto and Truck, Stanley, WI, and volunteered for the Thorp Historical Society.
     Bill was known for his puttering, his projects, and his polka-dancing.  He could frequently be found in his shop, building or repairing something for someone, with the sounds of concertina music playing through the speakers.  He loved kids and animals, especially dogs and cats, and went out of his way to show care and affection to any and all versions of those creatures that crossed his path.
     Bill married his soulmate and forever partner in sass, Carol Jean Polnaszek, on July 29, 1972. They settled in rural Thorp, WI, near Bill’s childhood home.  Their daughter Sara was born in 1975, and their son Craig in 1977.  Bill was an active and caring father, spending time teaching his kids how to solve problems and think creatively, and never missing an extra-curricular activity.  Through his kids, he became involved in the Thorp Drama Department, and spent many hours hanging lights, running cables, building sets and running the sound system  for Cardinal Frolics and theatre productions.
     In addition to making theatre magic on a shoestring budget, Bill loved to use his many mechanical talents to build and repair things for his family and friends.  He enjoyed traveling with Carol to polka dances, vacationing in new locations, and visiting and spending time with his grandchildren.
     Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Casimir Walter “Casey” Stasila and Genevieve Ann “Jean” (Warzecha) Stasila; his father and mother-in-law, Edward “Eddy” Polnaszek and Charlotte Claire (Frankwicz) Polnaszek; his sister, Patricia “Pat” (Stasila) Malecki; his brothers-in-law: Kenneth “Ken” Malecki, David Polnaszek, Eric Polnaszek, Charles Polnaszek; his sister-in-law, Cheryl (Krueger) Polnaszek; and his nephew, Ryan Galarowicz.
      He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Jean (Polnaszek) Stasila of Thorp; his daughter, Sara Stasila (Neal Easterling) of Oak Creek, WI; his son, Craig (Laura) Stasila of Indianapolis, IN; his beloved grandchildren: Trinity Weisensel (Cameron Owens), Genevieve Weisensel (Alexander Zylka), Maven Stasila, Harlow Stasila, Karl Huber, and the world’s most spoiled Cavapoo, Oliver “Ollie” Stasila.
     A special thank you to Dr. Al-Hattab and the staff of Luther-Mayo Cancer center for their dedication and compassionate care, and the fabulous staff of St Croix Hospice for their support and care that allowed Bill to live out his days at home, doing the things that brought him joy and comfort.
     A celebration of Bill’s life will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Historic Quonset of Thorp, WI, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm with a service at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Polka Jammer Network in his name: POLKA MUSIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY, INC. 1D TINA DR SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA 01373-1032. Polka Jammer Network is a 501(c)3 organization.
     “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas.