William Gaffron Jr. of Three Lakes died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. He was 85.

He was born March 22, 1935, in Rhinelander, to William Karl Sr. and Edna (née Bonack) Gaffron.

Mr. Gaffron grew up on Denby Island in Three Lakes, graduated from Three Lakes High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He married Carol (née Samz) in 1966, and together they raised six children in Three Lakes.

He worked as a mechanic at Watercraft Sales prior to owning Gaffron Bus Service and a small family farm.

Mr. Gaffron was preceded in death by his wife; one sister, Edna; and his parents.

He is survived by three daughters, Mary and Lori, both of Milwaukee, and Anne (Paul) of Apex, N.C.; three sons, Karl (Christine) of Three Lakes, Mark, of Woodruff, and Scot (Trisha) of Wisconsin Dells; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

A private family service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, with a public graveside service at Three Lakes Cemetery at noon.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be set up with the American Diabetes Association.

Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River is serving the family.