William C. "Bill" Gasteyer
William C. “Bill” Gasteyer, age 87 of Elmwood, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand due to complications from pneumonia. He had been a resident of the Oakview Care Center in Durand since November of 2013. Bill died with his wife; Jean and son; Jeff at his side.
Bill was born on the family farm near Eau Galle on January 15, 1927 to William and Clara (Zeilinger) Gasteyer. He attended the early years of elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse across the road from his home. After graduated from Durand High School, Bill helped farm on the family farm with his brother, Jerry. Dances were popular in the 1940’s in the area and it was at a Dance that Bill met his future wife, Jean Lewis. While dating and dancing, Bill and Jean made many lifelong friendships. They were married on June 24, 1952. Three children were born to this union, Catherine, William “Bill” and Jeffrey.
Bill and Jean owned a dairy farm near his childhood home. They built up the farm, remodeling the barn, building out buildings and a new house. Bill demonstrated his skill and passion for farming throughout his life. Today the farm is a prosperous testament to his efforts. Bill was also committed to the farming community. He was active in the Nation Farmer’s Organization and served on several boards including the Eau Galle Town Board, St. Peter's Lutheran Church Board and the Farmer’s Home Administration Board. He participated in county fairs, 4H events and helping his children show cattle and how to become knowledgeable about agriculture. Bill raised and trained horses on his farm. He loved to ride and frequently rode his palomino “Ginny” in local parades. He also loved attending rodeos. In 1983, Bill suffered a major stroke that forced him to retire from active farming, but with the help of his wife; Jean and son; Jeff, Bill still remained engaged in the farm and agriculture community.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years; Jean, three children; Catherine Gasteyer (Eugene Westling) of New York, NY, William Gasteyer Jr. of Montana and Jeffrey (Diane) Gasteyer of Elmwood, two grandchildren; Brooke Gasteyer and Ted Gasteyer Westling, two sisters; Donna Oesterreicher of Eau Claire and Sally “Sal” Hoeft, formerly of Winona, MN and currently in the Twin Cities, MN, one brother; Jerry (Beatrice) of Elmwood, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy; Johny, two sisters; Eunice King and Lila Lehman, a half-brother; Edward Brenner, a half-sister; Ann Wendler, and in 2011 Bill lost a beloved grandson; Kyle Gasteyer.
Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elmwood. Rev. Martin Wegner will officiate. Burial will be in the Clearview Cemetery in Eau Galle in the spring. Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church on Tuesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood, is serving the family.