William H. “Bill” Upham, Jr. was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, in 1916 to former Wisconsin Governor William H. Upham and Grace Mason Upham. Upham graduated from Marshfield High School in 1934, and then enrolled at the University of Michigan and Milton College before settling at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to study history. Upham graduated in 1938, and subsequently enrolled in Law School at the University of Wisconsin which he attended for two years until the United States entered World War II. Upham married fellow UW student Elizabeth Ann Dentz in 1937.
While pursuing his undergraduate studies, Upham was active in the University's ROTC program where he rose to the rank of lieutenant Because of his ROTC participation, Upham entered service in World War II as a lieutenant. Serving from 1941 to 1946, Upham was stationed first in Iceland with the 5th Infantry Division. He then went to England and served as a General Officer's aide. Upham saw combat with the 90th Division in France and was wounded at St. Lo. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
After the war, Upham rejoined his wife in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and started work as a salesman for the Schlitz Brewing Company. Upham remained at Schlitz for seven years, after which he switched to selling life insurance for Northwestern Mutual Life. In 1974, Upham decided to follow in his father's footsteps, and ran for governor on the American Party ticket. The election bid was unsuccessful. After his campaign, Upham continued selling life insurance in Milwaukee.
Elizabeth Ann (Dentz) Upham grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in 1935, she attended the University of Wisconsin to study French and other European languages. While a student, Elizabeth met Bill Upham and married him in 1937. Elizabeth graduated in 1940 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the recipient of many academic awards.
When Bill entered the service in 1941 Elizabeth moved back to Milwaukee. The Uphams' first child, William H. III, was born in 1942, followed by Monie Elizabeth in 1945, and Darby Kirkland in 1950. During William's 1974 gubernatorial campaign, Elizabeth served as his secretary, and handled the scheduling, billing and correspondence.
