William Bilger

William Bilger William Bilger, 85, of Bellevue, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at Bellevue Hospital. Mr. Bilger was born March 24, 1931, in Norwalk, to Howard F. and Margaret (Ritter) Bilger. Feb. 14, 1992, he married the former Anne M. Ringle. She survives. He was a 1950 graduate of Thompson High School. Bill was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Republic. He was an accomplished woodworker, even having his own mill saw for cutting specialty woods. Mr. Bilger was known to be an especially hardworking man his entire life. This included him being a mason for many years. After his retirement from Rudolph-Libby as a project superintendent, he enjoyed gardening, farming, watching birds and wildlife. Survivors include his children, Linda (Larry) Widman of Fremont, Randy (Linda) Bilger of Bellevue, Janelle (Jon) Veard of Lorian, Jeff (Kelly) Hohman of Tiffin, Joe (Jenni Hanna) Hohman of Norwalk and Ellen (Brian) Mast of Powell; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Bill was the youngest and last of 13 children. Preceding him in death were sisters Sarah Nigro, Nadean Showalter, Mary Brooks, Mildred Halverson, Pauline Thorn, Marian Berberick, Molly Bollenbacher and Margaret Bilger; and brothers Ned Bilger, Howard Bilger, Jack Bilger and Ted Bilger. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at Auxter Funeral Home, 1105 Castalia St., Bellevue. His funeral will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at the funeral home, with the Rev. James Barkenquast officiating. Burial will be in Fireside Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.auxterfuneralhomes.com.