“One Tough Buzzard who NEVER Gave Up” (Bill’s words) flew peacefully to his next adventure on March 15, 2024. During his 17 year battle with prostate cancer, metastasizing to his lungs, stomach and brain, along with radiation, chemotherapy, heart attacks, a bypass, hip replacements, amputation of his left toe, and leg below the knee, there was never a day he didn’t give 110%!
William “Bill” Kenneth Edlebeck, 69 years old, was born on October 24, 1954, in Green Bay to Kenneth and Patricia Edlebeck. From that day on Ashwaubenon would be his home. Bill met his soulmate, Julie (Stodola) Edlebeck in March of 1975, while flirting over some very expensive $0.75 drinks! That meeting led to 50 years of knowing each other and 46 years of marriage.
In 2016, and after 40 years, Bill retired as a Street Department Foreman for the Village of Ashwaubenon. He enjoyed the people he met while working at that job, but not the middle of the night phone calls to plow! As well as working full-time, Bill also worked at Stadium Citgo for the Wittuhn family for 29 years leaving right before the development of Titletown. Although he loved his jobs and the people he met, there was nothing he loved more than being a husband, a dad to Kari and Nathan; his grandkids (his pride and joy), Lauren, Maisy and Bryce who gave “Grandpa E.” the biggest smiles, the energy to fight, and the best memories he could ask for!
When Bill wasn’t working, and following retirement, their cabin in Goodman was a favorite place to be with the family. Going out to Lake Hilbert, stopping in the 8-Hi for pizza & pull-tabs, driving in the woods to see nature, pancakes and porkies, watching Shrek, and getting ice cream on the way home were all a must for any trip! If he wasn’t at the cabin, he enjoyed watching Lauren play soccer, Maisy play in the Miracle League, and Bryce play T-ball. At home Bill would putz around the garage, spend his time outside during the summer, and in the winter, he did some one-of-a-kind woodworking projects. “It may not look pretty, but it will hold.” or “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” were common phrases over the years.
Bill was a great guy who made an impact on many people over the years. He always had a smile, wave and had time for anyone and everyone. His memory and fight will live on in those who survive him; wife, Julie; daughter, Kari (Dustin); son, Nathan (Jen); grandkids, Lauren, Maisy, and Bryce; brothers, Paul (Jackie) and Todd (Julie); sisters, Ellen (Greg) and Colleen (Julie); sister-in-law. Jane; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Sue), Jim (Karen), and Jeff (Heidi), nieces, nephews and their families; aunts, Rose and Carol; as well as several cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Pat Edlebeck; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Anna Mae Stodola and several aunts, uncles, and a few close friends.
Friends and family may gather at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason Street, on Friday, March 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Parish Wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday. March 23rd at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 South Oneida Street, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Matt Simonar officiating. Burial will be in Nicolet Memorial Gardens. To send online condolences, please go to www.prokowall.com. Please dress casually as it was Bill’s wish to be in a flannel shirt and jeans. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s wishes are that monetary gifts and donations given will be divided between charities important to him.
As a family we would like to sincerely thank Dr. Patel, Dr. Bista, Robin & Tracy, family & friends for all their thoughts and support over the years. Bill wanted to thank his wife Julie for always being there during the good times and the bad, his kids and their families for all the smiles and happiness.
Bill, Dad, Grandpa, thank you for being all that we could have asked for & more. The happiness, memories, strength and GRIT you had right up until the end is admired. You’ll live on in our heads and hearts forever…Fly High One Tough Buzzard. We love you!