Wilbur H. Heberlein

Wilbur H. Bill Heberlein, age 95, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. He was born on April 7, 1919, in North Lancaster Township, the son of Henry and Janettie (Heiliger) Heberlein. Bill attended Whitcomb School and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1937. On December 2, 1940, he was united in marriage to Etola Foster at Dubuque, IA. In September of 1942, Bill was drafted into the United States Army 2^nd Field Artillery Observation Battalion. He served his country in North Africa, France, Italy and Germany. Bill was honorably discharged in September of 1945. He received five Campaign Stars. Upon his discharge, he returned to the family farm where he and Etola farmed until their retirement in 1982 when they moved to Lancaster. Bill enjoyed playing cards, dancing, traveling, and was an avid sports fan. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Bill was a member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church and a life member of the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344 of Lancaster.

Survivors include his beloved wife Etola, Lancaster; their children: Judy (Monroe) Adrian, Cassville; William (Penny) Heberlein, Madison; Diane (Merlin) Breihan, Lancaster; Vicky (Roger) Case, Lancaster; eleven grandchildren: Darin Adrian, Dana DeMarte, Troy Adrian, Kelly Schulz, Kim Ballweg, Scott Heberlein, Lisa Reuter, Michele Barsness, Renee Richardson, Nicole Haskey, and Tory Case; twenty-four great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his four sisters: Leola Bailie, Erma Novinska, Edith Smith, and Evelyn Fritz.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 3, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial with military honors was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Sunday, November 2, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.