William Bazan

William Bazan, age 79 of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, passed away on March 7, 2024. Bill was born on March 11, 1944, to Dorothy (Lohff) and William Draths II, in Madison, WI. Following the death of Bill’s biological father, Dorothy married Edward Bazan in Madison, WI.

Bill held various roles including high school teacher and athletic director, Executive Director of Policy and Educational Development at the Catholic Health Association of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and Vice President at the Metro Milwaukee Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association. He was a tireless advocate for healthcare that served people experiencing poverty. In 1992, Bill and his colleagues inaugurated a retreat called “Medicine in Search of Meaning,” which invited physicians around the country to rediscover the meaning in their clinical practices of medicine. 

In 1999 Bill authored a book entitled, “Medicine in Search of Meaning: A Spiritual Journey for Physicians,” to assist doctors to rekindle their passion for medicine and explore spiritual nudges. In workshops given around the country, he helped to link faith with action, and sought to foster an integral spirituality of healthcare. Bill invited physicians to delve into the spiritual underpinnings of service and healthcare and reflect upon the meaning behind their chosen professions – growing towards a deeper understanding of their own vocations. Much of Bill’s professional career was spent dissecting the relationships between service, advocacy, religion, and spirituality. 

Once retired, Bill enjoyed a part-time crossing guard position with the Whitefish Bay School District and was lovingly referred to as “Mr. Bill.” He cherished his volunteer commitments at St. Ben’s Community Meal in downtown Milwaukee where he helped to provide an atmosphere of hospitality to guests; and at Luther Manor in Wauwatosa, where he visited with residents facing terminal illnesses. 

Bill’s greatest pride and joy in his life were his two children. An avid golfer, Bill especially enjoyed this sport with his son, Sam, who grew to exceed his father’s golfing skills! As an author, Bill shared in his daughter Jessie’s joy as she published several books of her own, also seeking to help people understand vocation. He was a deeply loving father and a loyal friend. Bill is survived by children Samuel Bazan and Jessica Bazan, friends, and family members. Bill is reunited with his parents and other loved ones who predeceased him. The family extends gratitude to the fine staff at Luther Manor.  

Visitation will be held at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Road in Mequon, WI, on March 18, 2024, noon to 1:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial to follow at the church at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capuchin Community Services in Milwaukee, WI, or Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, MN. 

The funeral Mass will be live streamed through Lumen Christi Church beginning at 12:55pm at:   http://www.lumenchristiparish.org/ or clicking on the access tab below.

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