The Madison Area USBC lost a Hall of Famer on Sunday, March 28, 2021.
William M. “Bill” Schwoegler passed away at the age of 86.
The Schwoegler family is historic in Madison bowling, and Bill added to the legacy.
He was the fourth Schwoegler to be inducted into the Madison Area USBC Hall of Fame. His uncle, the legendary Connie Schwoegler, was in the inaugural Class of 1972. His father, Mel Schwoegler was enshrined the following year, and his grandfather Tony in 1976.
Bill was inducted for his service to and promotion of the game of bowling. He served as President of the Madison Area Bowling Proprietors and on the board of the Madison Pen and Mike Club.
In 1972, he was among the prime movers, along with his Mel and Connie, in the establishment of Park Towne Lanes (today Schwoegler Entertainment Center) on the then sparsely developed west side of Madison. The original construction was 24 lanes.
In 1977, shortly after his father’s death, Bill and his wife Pat bought out Connie. They added 12 lanes in 1988, remodeled, and established the center as a showplace for bowling in the state. Bill’s sons Dan and Mark were brought in to operate the center on a daily basis – while Bill enjoyed “semi-retirement”.
Even up to the 2019-20 season, Bill could be found at Schwoegler’s. I was privileged to shake his hand many January mornings on weekends while setting up for the Open Championship tournaments.
The Hall of Fame rightfully recognizes the greatest players in our 100 year history, but if you want to know “how we got here today”, it’s people like Bill Schwoegler who laid that foundation. They built and filled the centers, promoting and supporting the game.
Thank you, Bill, for everything you did for bowling for so many years. We were privileged to have crossed with you.