William R. “Billy” Goforth, age 66, of Potosi, WI, completed his earthly journey on August 30, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Bill’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on August 11, 1960, in Cleveland, OH, a son to William and Norma (McCluskey) Goforth.  He learned early on that life was not only an opportunity to put in an honest day’s work and fulfill your responsibilities for success, but we should also have some balance in our days as well and make a point to enjoy the downtime it offers to the fullest.

Bill honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy on the USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) and took pride in the rescue of the 43 Vietnamese refugees and ultimately creating a special friendship with Shelley, one of the refugees.  This crew received Humanitarian Service Medals for the rescue.  Bill had received the Sailor of the Quarter accommodation during his service and was also a proud member, and past Commander of the Potosi American Legion, Post #473.

Bill faithfully spent his working years as a press operator.  He spent the majority of his working career with Milprint, Quad Graphics, and Georgia Pacific before eventually retiring in 2013 due to health issues.

In time, Bill met the love of his life whom he adored, Nancy Groom, and they were united in marriage on May 4, 2002.  Their love and devotion grew stronger with each passing year and the 24 years they were blessed with were both wonderful, and yet, sadly, much too short.

In his free time, Bill had a few favorite ways to spend his time and make it valuable.  Those who knew him well were keenly aware of his need to visit and socialize with family and friends whenever possible.  Never to be the quiet one in the room, always ready with a joke and a laugh, and just happy to be surrounded by those he enjoyed was clearly a happy place for Bill’s heart and mind.  He was also an avid Cubs and Vikings fan and never missed an opportunity to watch them take the field.  Many hours were spent cheering on his teams and even the games they lost were considered to be time well spent.  And finally, his love for family was undeniable.  Being surrounded by loved ones on any occasion were the best moments in Bill’s life.  The world is definitely a little smaller today without his love, light and laughter shining among us.  Hopefully we will be able to find some peace and moments of comfort in time while we learn to lean into the memories he leaves behind now.  Thank you, Bill, for living your life with a desire to impact the world around you and may we feel your legacy continue on within our own lives as we walk our own paths until we get to see you once again.  May the Lord bless and keep you in His loving arms now and may He ease the pain in our broken hearts as well.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of  include,

his loving wife,

Nancy Goforth, Potosi, WI;

his son,

Michael Goforth (I love you DAD-E-O), Dubuque, IA;

his six grandchildren;

Ava, Michael Jr., Mikaela, Malachi, Matthew, and Melody;

his siblings,

Ronnie Nauret, Dubuque, IA,

Tammy (Mark) Reinecke, Edgerton, WI,

Laura “The Favorite Twin” (Rich) Langkamp, Potosi, WI,

Ray Goforth, Potosi, WI,

and Cindy (Larry) Leibfried, Potosi, WI;

his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law,

Lorraine Groom, Cassville, WI,

Gayle (Kevin) Koeller, Dubuque, IA,

Glenda (Andrew) Kunz, Stitzer, WI,

Julie Groom, Platteville, WI,

Joan (Dean) Mish, Potosi, WI,

and Larry (Carla) Groom, Cassville, WI;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mick Boll; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lewis (Norma) Groom.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences for Bill’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com