The Honorable William J Wegge Jr, (Bill) 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on January 9, 1942 and grew up just blocks from the ocean in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. This is where he met his wife, Nancy, who worked there as a waitress in the summers during college. This began a partnership that included countless adventures. Bill was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, the first of many personal and professional accomplishments. Bill and Nancy later moved their young family to Missouri where they lived in the Pearl Cottage, the oldest house in DeSoto, and Bill began his career as a cartographer with the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis. After serving as Lay Judge for Olympian Village and DeSoto Municipal Court, Bill decided law was his true calling. He enrolled at Saint Louis University School of Law, graduating in 1980. He practiced law in DeSoto and Hillsboro, continued to serve as Municipal Judge, and was elected Associate Circuit Judge in 1991, a position he held until his retirement in 2007. He then continued to do what he loved most: enjoy life. That enjoyment was often loud, playful and centered around his five grandchildren, with whom he loved “goofing off” above all else. Bill and Nancy were enthusiastic travelers, exploring much of the world together and often taking the family to the Jersey Shore. One of Bill’s favorite trips was when he and Nancy walked the entire 240 mile Katy Trail together, proving that marriage, like hiking, required patience, humor, and good shoes. Bill also enjoyed friendships made while golfing and when faithfully attending “Book Club,” where books were never read but tall tales were told. Bill was the youngest volunteer firefighter in New Jersey at the age of 18. In Missouri he was a member of the DeSoto Elks, The Missouri Bar, and served on the board of the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association. He also served many years on the COMTREA board. Bill was the son of the late William J Wegge Sr and Estella Wegge. In addition to his wife Nancy of 60 years, Bill is survived by three children: Forrest Wegge of Hillsboro, Christine (Steve) Keisker of Arnold, and Brandon (Cari) Wegge of Brentwood MO and five grandchildren; Miranda (Hunter) Fallaw, Carson and Cayden Keisker, and Clark and Sloane Wegge, each of whom inherited his quick wit, strong opinions, or both. He is also survived by his sister Gail Cuttrell of New Jersey. A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, a nonprofit close to Bill’s heart.