William R. Letsch

rhinelanderdailynews.com
Friday, November 20, 2009

William R. Letsch, 83, of Rhinelander, died on Nov. 19, 2009 at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander. He was born in Racine on Sept. 21, 1926 to Adam and Ruth (Hansen) Letsch.

Bill graduated from the Washington Park High School in 1944 and then served with the US Navy during WW II. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Racine where he married Irene DePelecyn on Nov. 27, 1948. They were married for 60 years.

Bill was employed as a fireman in Racine and also worked in his father’s tool and die plant for a number of years.

Bill moved his family to the Rhinelander area in 1971 and has lived here ever since.

Bill loved participating in and watching all sports, especially baseball. He was signed by the Milwaukee Braves by Casey Stengle, but was called to serve his country in WW II two weeks later. After returning to the states he then was in the Chicago Cubs farm system for a number of years. He loved handball, racquetball, basketball and fishing.

Bill was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Bill is survived by his wife, Irene, of Rhinelander; his two daughters Debra (Paul) Rinka of Rhinelander and Lori (Craig) Grinde of Madison; his son, Paul, of Eagle River; and his four grandchildren Sara and Katie Rinka and Adam and Alison Grinde.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Jr., and his brother, Kenneth.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. with funeral services following at 7 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home. The Reverend Dale Bishop will officiate.

Interment will be in the Newbold Cemetery.

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414/www.carlsonfh.com) is handling the arrangements for the Letsch family.

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