William Birkel

William died Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

William Dean Birkel was born November 27, 1931 in Shelby, Nebraska to John J. and Bessie E. (Masek) Birkel.

He graduated from Shelby High School in 1949. William served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 (during the Korean War), as a construction engineer with the Navy Sea Bees in the South Pacific and Alaska. He continued to serve his country in the Navy reserve until 1968.

On May 24, 1955 he was united in marriage to Evelyn M. Kucera in David City, Nebraska. He lived with Evelyn and family in rural Butler County, then from 1963 to the present time in Columbus Nebraska.

He worked in construction and manufacturing jobs, and then for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years until his retirement in 1992.

William was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, V.F.W. #3704 and the Hartman Post #84 American Legion.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren's sporting events. William also loved gardening, reading, woodworking, and playing cards.

He is survived by:

Wife: Evelyn Birkel formerly of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Susan M. (Robbie) Hadan of Funk, NE
Daughter: Sheryl A. (Karl) Birkel-Brown of Blair, NE
Son: Steven J. (Debbi Nadell) Birkel of Portland, OR
Daughter: Sandra K. (Richard) Stachura of Scotia, NE
Brother and Sisters-in-law: Shirley (Mike) Vasina of Columbus, Darlene Jatczak of Kearney, Sally Kozisek of Fremont, and Gladys Hoeft of Shelby
12 Grandchildren: Kari, Shelby, Gina; Kristina, Elyse, Naomi, Brianna, Jake; Chad, Todd, Matt and Paul
5 Great Grandchildren: Lezlee, Quentin, Wyatt, Weston and William

He was preceded in death by:

Parents: John and Bessie Birkel
Brother: Louis J. Birkel
Sister: Dorothy Oppliger