William Held Sr.

William D. Held Sr., age 84, of Columbus died Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Columbus.

William D. Held Sr. was born November 14, 1925 in Nance County, Nebraska to Frank and Xaverius (Abts) Held. He graduated from Fullerton High School in 1942. Bill served in the United States Army Air Corp from February 12, 1944 until November 7, 1945. He married Gwendolyn Harper on March 10, 1945 in Franklin, Kentucky. They returned to Columbus in 1949 where he has lived since. Bill owned and operated Held Plumbing and Heating for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, perpetual Adoration, American Legion and the Eagles Club. He was elected to the Columbus City Council from 1965-1972. While on the city council he served as council president. He enjoyed hunting, playing cards, music, writing poetry and politics. Bill had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by:
Son: Tim (Patricia) Held of Columbus, NE
Son: Tom (Deb) Held of Columbus, NE
Son: William (Rose) Held Jr. of Rapid City, SD
Daughter: Becky (Nick) Vavricek of Genoa, NE
Son: Joe Held of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Beverly (Doug) Brunkhorst of Columbus, NE
Brother: Frank Held of Columbus, NE
Sister: Dorothy Glaser of Columbus, NE
Brother: John (Elisabeth) Held of Redondo Beach, CA
24 Grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by:
Wife: Gwendolyn Held
Father: Frank Held
Mother: Xaverius Held
Sister: Jean Whitney
Sister: Virginia Russell
Grandson: Ben Held
Great Granddaughter: Chloe Held
Great Granddaughter: Lilly Brunkhorst
Great Grandson: Preston Brunkhorst