More detail on this person: Maj. William J.
Biebel (retired USAF), 67, touched the face of God
on Feb. 17, 2009. Born Dec. 9, 1941, Bill was the
eldest son of the late John F. Biebel, Jr. and
Marie (Burke) Biebel. He married the former
Elizabeth (Betsy) Willems Sept. 4, 1965.
During a 21-year career with the U.S. Air Force,
Bill flew HH 53 "Jolly Green" helicopters,
rescuing downed pilots in Vietnam, and later flew
B-52 Bombers in the U.S. and Vietnam, serving
also as a lead flight instructor for Certified
Flight Instructor Course at Castle Air Force Base,
Calif.
After more than two decades of loyal service to
his country, Bill retired from the military in
1985. Returning to Green Bay and a second career
with Metropolitan Life, Bill continued to embrace
the creed of his helicopter squadron, "That others
may live." His survival and fighter instincts
remained intact through his long struggle with
cancer. Living and dying, Bill touched many lives.
His sense of adventure - before, during and after
the military - led him to experiences and
activities most men only dream of. He loved
acrobatic flying and had a lifelong love of
Porsches which he raced at Road America (Elkhart
Lake) and Black Hawk Farms (Illinois).
He was devoted to family, was a lifelong Green Bay
Packers fan, and had a special place in his heart
for the Hmong people stemming from his military
experience.
Bill is survived by his wife, Betsy; daughter,
Kerrie; son, Steve (Andrea) and grandchildren,
Alex and Ella; sisters, Bonnie (Gerry) Stadler,
Mary (Ray) Ellenberger, Marilyn (Jim) Wittig;
brother, Marty (Prapai) Biebel; brother-in-law,
John (Carol) Willems; sister-in-law, Carole
Willems; nieces, nephews, special cousins,
relatives, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John
and Marie; an infant brother, Jimmy; mother- and
father-in-law, Bud and Inez Willems; and
brother-in-law, Michael Willems.
A gathering of family and friends will be held
Saturday, Feb. 28, at Old St. Joseph Church at St.
Norbert College from 10 a.m. until noon followed
by the Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. James
Baraniak, O. Praem., as celebrant. Interment to
follow at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, memorial funds will be established for
Unity Hospice and a Nursing Scholarship for Hmong
students at Bellin College of Nursing. Online
condolences may be expressed at
www.hansenfuneral \\service.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to
the doctors and staff at St. Vincent Hospital,
Green Bay Oncology, and the John and Engrid
Meng Residence at Unity Hospice for your
compassionate care and support during Bill's
illness.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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