William George Wisell, 81, of Vergennes, Vermont, passed away on July 4th, 2025 peacefully in Burlington, Vermont after a loving visit with his wife and three children just days before.

“Bill” was born on June 2nd, 1944 in Burlington, Vermont to Dr. George P. and Mrs. Frances M. (McAuliffe) Wisell. He grew up in Vergennes, Vermont, cherishing his high school years and athletic accomplishments. He went on to enlist in the Navy in 1963 proudly serving in the Vietnam War on the USS Constellation. Bill then attended Wichita State University on the GI Bill where he played Division I baseball. When he returned to Vermont, Bill was a house parent at The Weeks School, worked for the family business – McAuliffe Paper Company, and he was a longtime bus driver for Vergennes and South Burlington School Districts where was honored to receive the Dominick Marabella Support Staff Award. Bill was a founding member of the Panton Road Saints and a lifelong member of American Legion Vergennes Post #14 and VFW Post 7823 of Addison County.

Bill brought everyone together with his quick wit and celebratory toasts. Throughout his life he enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Champlain, duck hunting in Panton, deer hunting in Ripton and all his adventures with his best friend Michael Jackman. Bill was always up for a drive, especially if it led to a round of golf at Basin Harbor. Playing softball for C&F LeBeau was a source of joy and camaraderie for Bill. He carried his lifelong passion for sports into fatherhood, wholeheartedly supporting his children’s athletic pursuits. Bill considered his greatest accomplishments in life to be his service to his country and the health and success of his three children.

Bill married Karen (Haulenbeek) Wisell in 1987, and together they raised their three children in South Burlington, Vermont.

He is survived by his children; William “Todd” (Cristy) Wisell, Meghan (Devin) Mahoney, and Malinda (Cris-Hawk) Farrin. He also leaves his six beautiful grandchildren, Ryenn and Roen Wisell, Mackenzie and Dylan Mahoney, and Parker and Wylder Farrin. He leaves his brother; Ret. Col. George (Diane) Wisell and his son George Wisell (Stacia Werner). He leaves his sister’s children, Sean Sullivan, Michelle (Glen) Eastman, Martha (John) DeGraaf, and Christopher Sullivan (Kristy Sargent). He also leaves his brother in law Fredrick (Andrea) Haulenbeek and sister in law Beth Trivison and their respective children.

He was predeceased by parents Dr. George P. and Frances M. Wisell, and sister, Francis “Ann” Sullivan and nephew Joseph Sullivan.

The family would like to thank the many people who cared for their father over the past several years including the staff at Project Independence – Elderly Services in Middlebury and Birchwood Terrace in Burlington.

There will be a calling hours at Brown McClay Funeral Home, 48 S Maple Street, Vergennes on Wednesday, July 9th from 5:00-7:00 PM.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 11th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes with a reception following at the American Legion Post #14 in Vergennes. In memory of Bill donations can be made to Project Independence – Elderly Services, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=855N656MV5CFC. To send condolences to his family please visit  www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.