Obit: Neitzel, Delbert William (1925 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Billeb, DeGrand, Giza, Goeltz, Neitzel, Peickert, Poppe, Sossamen

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 2/18/2015

Neitzel, Delbert "Bill' William (18 APR 1925 - 13 FEB 2015)

Delbert "Bill' William Neitzel, 89, died on February 13, at his home in Winter, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on April 18, 1925, in Donald, to Emery William Neitzel and Florence (Poppe) Neitzel.

He graduated from Owen High School in 1942. He was married to the love of his life, Frances Edith Goeltz on May 24, 1944, at Frances's parents' home in Colby. They recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.

He entered the U.S. Army on January 24, 1945, serving in the Pacific Front during WWII. He was honorably discharged on August 25, 1946.

Upon returning, he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL, graduating on July 10, 1947.

Bill and Fran resided in Colby, having a radio repair shop out of the basement. He started Bill's Electric in the early 1960's on the east side of Colby. In 1977, he added to his business by purchasing Joe's Appliance Store.

In 1987, they retired to the north woods in Winter, and enjoyed many years with devoted family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, making maple syrup and playing cards. In his younger years, he was an avid softball player and loved sharing Disneyland trips with his children. He was a member of the VFW and volunteer for the Colby Fire Department.

He will be sadly missed by his wife; children, Carol "Jeannie" Giza, Emery "Pete"(Mary), Bill (Jan), and Merrie (Craig) DeGrand, and son-in-law Lowell Peickert, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and his sister, Geraldine Billeb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jacqueline "Jackie" Peickert, siblings, Jim Neitzel, Bernie Neitzel, and Bonnie Sossamen.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Marshfield Eagles Club at 1104 South Oak Ave with Pastor Mike Carlson of Zion United Methodist Church presiding. A light lunch will follow.

He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor and years of shenanigans, family commitment, devotion, loyalty, and his love of debate.

Thank you for being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. You have shaped many lives. The world was truly a better place because of you!