William Conrad Madlener

William (Bill) Conrad Madlener II, 81, died in his home on July 26, 2024. Bill was born on May 11, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Otto and Elaine (Wetmore) Madlener.

He grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, and spent summers at his grandparents’ home in Wisconsin on Geneva Lake—the same home he would move to in the 1980s and make his own. In his youth he enjoyed water skiing and swimming. Starting at a young age he had a talent for pen and ink drawing and playing the guitar, both of which he pursued throughout his life.

He attended the Hotchkiss School (Class of 1961) before enrolling at Stanford University (Class of 1965) and majored in Psychology. After graduation, he moved to Germany to study Philosophy and the German language at the University of Heidelburg. He returned to Chicago in 1968 where he began a career as an early childhood educator.

Over the last decade Bill developed a love of yoga and was a fixture at classes around Lake Geneva. Yoga not only helped with fitness and flexibility but led Bill to practice meditation, which he encouraged family members and friends to try.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard. He is survived by two nieces, numerous cousins, and dear friends in the Lake Geneva community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Geneva Lake Water Safety Patrol or the Lakeland Animal Shelter .

To post an online condolence please click the "Share a Memory" box on the left side of your screen.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting William's Family.

Geneva Lake Water Safety patrol
451 Outing Street, P.O. Box 548 Williams Bay, WI 53191, AL
Tel: 1-262-245-6577
Web: http://watersafetypatrol.org/donate

Lakeland Animal Welfare Shelter
3551 State Road 67 P.O. Box 1000, Elkhorn WI 53121
Tel: 1-262-723-1000
Web: http://www.lakelandanimalshelter.org/donate