William P. “Bill” Newcomb, age 71 of Pepin, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015 as a result of an automobile accident.

Bill was born March 14, 1944 in Pepin. He was the son of Kenneth A. and Martha L. (Sitzler) Newcomb. He grew up in Pepin and graduated from Pepin High School in 1962. After high school, Bill started his life-long career at Northern Wisconsin Manufacturing in Pepin. Bill married Beatrice “Bea” Brunner on April 18, 1964 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima, rural Durand. After marriage Bill and Bea started and raised their family in Pepin, where he remained the rest of his life. Bill served on the Pepin Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, 10 of which he served as Chief. He retired from NWM in 2008.

Bill could always be found in his garage restoring classic cars, which was his passion that lasted a lifetime, starting back when he was in high school washing cars at Tiffany Ford Dealership in Pepin. In his earlier years, Bill raced in the hobby stock division at the Fountain City Race Track. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Packers, Brewers and NASCAR. In the last few years, Bill started making lawn ornaments in his garage with glassware and silverware. Most of all Bill loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bea, four children; Bill Jr. of Nelson, LeeAnn (David) Drussell of Winona, Julie (Joel) Wheeler of Pepin and Tanya (Jon) Bechel of Arkansaw, eight grandchildren; Josh, Jacob, Elizabeth, Brice, Reese, Luke, Ben and Jenna, one great granddaughter; Scarlett, four brothers; John (Linda) of Pepin, Bob (Lana) of Pepin, Terry of Downsville and Keith (Genny) of Pepin, one sister; Erna (Jos) Boersma of Louisiana, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Jim and Elmer and two sisters; Bernice Van Allen and Jeanette Amarol.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha, MN. Rev. Thomas Cook will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pepin. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Linda Dose September 8, 2015, at 8:25am

   I am so sorry for your lost. just wanted you know my husband is the one that was driving the semi. He is ok but still brothers him. You are in our prayers. We lived in Wi. for 14 years. Bill was a great guy. He will always be with you in your heart.

2. Caroline Roundy September 7, 2015, at 10:57am

   Bea and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

3. Chris Galewski Sr. September 7, 2015, at 10:48am

   I called on Bill when he worked At NWM. I loved talking cars with him. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.

4. Patti & Rick Gould September 7, 2015, at 9:04am

   Please know we are thinking of your family at this difficult time. May you find strength in remembering the great memories that were created as a family. Prayers to you all.

5. Vern & Shirley Seifert September 6, 2015, at 3:04pm

   Bea & Family so terribly sorry for this great loss. I know how much he meant to each of you. Julie, Cherish each memory you have. Shirley

6. Dennis & Mary Ellen Brunner September 4, 2015, at 5:06pm

   Beats, you have our deepest sympathy. Will have you in our prayers.

7. Scott Bauer September 4, 2015, at 3:14pm

   Sorry for our loss. My wife, Tong, returns to WI the day before to represent me at the funeral. I will call soon. Miss you all.

8. Nathan Seipel September 4, 2015, at 8:14am

   You will be missed bill I only met you a few times but we talked about alot may you rest in peace and I want to say sorry for your loss

9. Dale and Pegi Fleming September 4, 2015, at 5:16am

   So sorry for your loss ... know that we will keep you all in our prayers

10. Connie L Cochran September 3, 2015, at 10:12pm

    My sincerest sympathy to each of Bill's loved ones.
    You are all in my prayers. May God hold you close and give you comfort.

11. Buddy lehnartz September 3, 2015, at 8:47pm

    He was a great person and will be missed bye a lot of people sorry for the loss my prayers go out to his family and friends and every one that new him from the lehnartz family

12. Jene and Dick Laehn September 3, 2015, at 8:26pm

    So sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Bill working on his cars and driving in the parade! Thoughts and prayers for all.

13. Joe and Jeanette Brown September 3, 2015, at 8:16pm

    Bea and family- Don't know if you remember us or not, we lived in the house Sue Peters lives in. We were so sorry to hear about Bill's death. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

14. Dave and Sue McIntosh September 3, 2015, at 7:31pm

    We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. He was a great guy with a great passion for life and restoring automobiles which he loved to do. His death is a great loss for his family and friends all over. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in Peace Bill. Dave and Sue McIntosh-Pepin, WI

15. Julie (Cochran) Stegemann September 3, 2015, at 6:58pm

    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It just isn't fair. He was a great man, and will be greatly missed. Cherish your memories. Prayers to you and your wonderful family.... -Julie

16. Connie Brantner September 3, 2015, at 6:38pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Bill always had a smile on his face and a kind word. I liked working with him at Northern Manufacturing. He was like a ray of sunshine. God Bless the family in this time of great sorrow.

17. Mary Etta Clark September 3, 2015, at 6:00pm

    So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

18. Jamie and Lucas Larson September 3, 2015, at 6:00pm

    Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. Big hugs "uncle" Billie. You and you're family will be in our prayers.

19. Don Konsela September 3, 2015, at 5:33pm

    To the family of Bill he was a great guy he will be missed . My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you .

20. penny September 3, 2015, at 5:12pm

    Forever in our hearts Uncle Bill. I miss you.

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