William R. “Bill” Morehouse

MILWAUKEE - After enduring multiple hospitalizations in the last months, Bill found peace on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 with his partner of fifty-one years at his side. Many of Bill’s caring friends provided love and support during his last days.

Bill was born in Flagg Center, IL on July 7, 1930 son of DeLos and Blanch Morehouse. His parents and a sister, Estelle Johnson, and brother, Don, predeceased him.

Bill graduated from Oregon High School and attended the University of Cincinnati. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and was a teacher of the deaf in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Later in his career he was an administrator in the Department of Exceptional Education and Supportive Services in the Milwaukee Public Schools with responsibility for Programs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Physically Handicapped, Visually Handicapped, School Age Parents, Early Childhood and Occupational and Physical Therapy.

Bill’s interests included travel, musical theater, dancing, gardening and socializing with his many friends. For years he and his partner conducted theater trips to the Candlelight and Drury Lane Theaters in IL and the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI. He also conducted an annual trip to the Arlington Race Track. On these trips they provided cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (including their signature cucumber sandwiches) and desserts.

Cruising was one of his favorite activities and after his retirement he completed more than forty-five cruises. One of his favorite quotes and a guiding principle of his life was this statement from Robert Louis Stevenson: “For my part I travel not to go anywhere but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” When Bill was on one trip he would be planning another. His goal was to go somewhere different each month – especially during the winter months. Bill retired from the Milwaukee Public Schools in 1989 after thirty-two years in education. He was an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and held many leadership positions at the local, state and national level.

Bill was a proud and active member of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and was active in their Open Door Café activities.

He is survived by Gordon A. Schuetz, his life partner and, his niece, Donna Miller of ID; nephew, George Gartner of CO and many friends.

Bill was also an important member of the Schuetz family and will be missed by sister-in-law, Alice Schuetz, niece and nephew, Diane and John Schuetz, and especially nephew Lavern (Joan) Schuetz and their children and grandchildren.

Visitation Saturday, February 8 from 9:15AM until time of Memorial Mass and Celebration of Bill’s life at 10AM at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, WI. A reception at Victor’s Bar and Restaurant, 1230 N.Van Buren will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fine Arts Program, are appreciated.