William E. Hertel
William Edward Hertel, 83 passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 17, 2018 surrounded by his family. Bill was born, September 29, 1934, to Alfred and Emma (Salm) Hertel in Chilton. He went to St Mary’s Catholic School, continuing his education at Chilton High, graduating in 1952 and completing his education at UW-Madison. He finished law school at UW-Madison and came home to practice law and serve the communities of Chilton and Brillion. Bill was an emeritus member of the State Bar Association of Wisconsin.
He married Barbara Langenfeld on September 3, 1960. They lived in Madison as Bill finished law school and then moved back home to practice law. She preceded him in death in June 1998.
Bill proudly served in the US Navy from 1956-1958 as a lieutenant in Japan/Korea and was honorably discharged. Flags were displayed outside the Hertel property on every Memorial Day and July 4th. He represented the United States in receiving Japan’s Emperor Hirohito post war.
Bill loved playing football for the Badgers during his time at UW Madison. He spent the rest of his life rooting for the Badgers often at Camp Randall and if they did well, he followed them all the way to the Rose Bowl. He was a lifelong member of The National “W” Club.
Bill’s strong roots were in his hometown. His tagline when introducing himself was “Bill Hertel, Chilton”. He was the founder and member of the Calumet County Civic Association, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Good Shepherd Parish, American Legion, and the 40 & 8. He held a honorary life membership to the Knight of Columbus.
Bill treasured his family, especially excursions and reunions with his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed the Northwoods where he would take his kids and grandkids fishing and hiking. He would also spend many evenings with his family playing all different types of sports and games including, cross country skiing, badminton, ping pong, and cribbage. Along with following his beloved Badgers, he also enjoyed the Packers. One anecdote – Bill wore a sombero to the legendary Ice Bowl. There is no picture to prove this, but eyewitness accounts make it so.
He is survived by his children, Bill Jr. (Lynn) Hertel, Grafton, Edith (Worth Gowell) Hertel Skokie, IL, Julia (Mark) Schellpfeffer, Sun Prairie, Karen (Peter Meyer) Hertel Evanston, IL, Paul Hertel, Los Angeles, Steven Hertel , Chicago, Jen Emma Hertel , New York; his grandchildren – Katelyn ,Erik, Evan, Nina, Madeline, Lily, and Sam. He is further survived by his sister Delores Hutchinson and brothers James (Kay) Hertel and Arthur (Mara) Hertel, mother-in-law, Mary Grace Langenfeld and his brothers and sisters in law- Thomas (Joan) Langenfeld, Mary Langenfeld, Lois Langenfeld, Joseph (Susan) Langenfeld, Susan (Harry) Anderson, William (Leone) Draeger, Allan (Nancy) Draeger, Robert (Linda) Draeger, Paula (Douglas) Gaedtke, Michael Langenfeld, Colleen (Keith) Halverson and many, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to Barbara, he is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Mary Wilmes and Marge Connor, his brother Ralph, brother-in-laws Robert Wilmes, James Hutchinson and John Langenfeld.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Chilton with Rev. Ryan Krueger officiating. Burial will be in St Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
The family would like to thank Sue Stecker for all her work with Bill over the years. They would also like to thank the staff at Willowdale Nursing Home for the amazing care they provided over the years, as well as , Heartland Hospice Services, and the many Calumet County Caregivers who assisted Bill. A memorial fund has been establish in the name of William E. Hertel. William’s family will be making memorial donations in his name to Friends of Ledgeview Nature Center or American Parkinson Disease Association – Wisconsin Chapter.
We will miss Bill and his zingers.