William Michael

William Robert “Bill” Michael, 81, Colony, died Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Bill was born Oct. 24, 1930, at Westphalia, the son of William Lester and Marion Angeline (Art) Michael. He grew up in Westphalia and graduated from Westphalia High School.

He married Ann E. Dieker Nov. 7, 1951, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Westphalia. They made their home in Westphalia. Bill served in the Army from October 1952 until July 1954, during the Korean Conflict.

They lived in Westphalia 24 years and Garnett three years before moving to Colony. Bill farmed and was a retired mail carrier. 

Ann preceded him in death Nov. 17, 2010.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Iola, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, National Association of Retired Federal Employees and Colony Lion’s Club.

He is survived by his fiancee, Marie Ohmie, Iola; six children, Roberta Brecheisen and husband Charles, Blue Springs, Mo., Steve Michael and wife Susan, Colony, John Michael and fiancee Jane Allmand, Lincoln, Neb., Linda Kipper and husband Duane, Richmond, Connie Setter and husband Jere, Garnett, and Betty Reissig and husband Doyle, Erie; a sister, Lois Hills, Burlington; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He was preceded in death by a son, William Joseph Michael, a grandson, Travis Kipper, and a sister, Pat Engvorson.

Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Monday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Iola, with visitation to follow in the Parish Center. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Teresa Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. Memorials may be left at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel, Iola, for Colony First Responders or St. John’s Catholic Church. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.