William J. Kielsmeier, age 81, of 10002 Center Road, Newton, passed away peacefully into eternal life surrounded by his family early Saturday morning, April 28, 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

William was born July 8, 1930 to the late Oscar and Elsie Bremke Kielsmeier. He attended Point River School in the town of Centerville. William proudly served in the United States Navy as the crew chief for the Blue Angles flight team. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, William found adventure in California selling cars. Years later he returned home and became employed with the Kohler Company. On July 9, 1960 William was united in marriage to Yvonne Blanchard at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Manitowoc. William and Yvonne then moved to Sheboygan for the next 12 years where William was active with the United Auto Workers Local Union #833 as the chief steward. Together they raised four children and opened their home to provide foster care for years to come. William was employed at the Kohler Company for the next 29 years where he played a dominating role as a chief union steward. He had a passion for gardening and enjoyed selling his produce at local farmers markets. William always had a love for animals and for many years ran a hobby farm. He was a long time supporter in the local 4-H programs. William had a great gift of gab and was very active member of his church, St. John's United Church of Christ in Manitowoc where he also served on the church council. After his retirement William loved to vacation with his wife and family in the Gulf Coast region.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years: Yvonne; four children: Michelle (Michael) Pozorski, Manitowoc; Renee (Bruce) Conard, Manitowoc; Daniel (Renee) Kielsmeier, Manitowoc; William "Allen" Kielsmeier at home; seven grandchildren: Fawn (Patrick) Oehlke, Tim (Samantha) Conard, D.J. Kielsmeier, Tucker Kielsmeier, Kersten Kielsmeier, Mike Pozorski Jr., Maria Pozorski; five great grandchildren: Hailey, Hannah and Hunter Conard, Logan and Levi Oehlke; two sisters: Carolyn Hanson, Port Washington; Irene (Vernon) Feldt, Sheboygan; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Olive Sommers and Violet Cook; three brothers: Donald, Teddy and Melvin Kielsmeier.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1501 Marshall Street, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. James Klein with burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery, town of Centerville. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and then on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.

The Kielsmeier family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Andrew Yetter and his staff and the Aurora Medical Center staff on 3rd floor for their excellent care they gave William while he was under their care.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.