• Visitation: Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12 pm – 2 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave, New Berlin)

• Memorial Service: Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave, New Berlin)

William Russell Theel

William Russell Theel of New Berlin, Wisconsin passed away on August 6, 2025 at the age of 91.  “Bill” was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane (nee Budzinski), their son Clifford, his brother Kenneth and sister Ruth.  He is survived by his son Robert (Trine) Theel and his brother, Charles (Dorie) Theel, sisters-in-law, Janice Theel, Jeanette Wierzba and Agnus Steffanus, numerous nieces and nephews and close friend and companion Nancy Wilburth.

Bill was born on “Groundhog Day,” February 2, 1934 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to William F. and Irene (nee Thomas) Theel and was the third of their four children.  He served with the US Army in the Military Police and was wed to Mary Jane in 1958 in Polonia, Wisconsin.  He worked as a courier nearly 40 years, for Bonded Messenger Service, driving all across the Milwaukee metro area.   After the birth of their two sons, Bill and Mary bought a home in New Berlin where they raised their family.  He volunteered in scouting, the Lions Club, church fundraisers, recycling efforts and enjoyed attending classic car shows with his son’s Buick Riviera.  Bill was a people person and enjoyed telling old stories and joking with friends and relatives.   He had an infectious laugh and, like he always said of his mother, “wore his heart on his sleeve.”

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12 pm – 2 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave, New Berlin) with a Memorial Service beginning at 2 pm with a meal to follow at a separate location.

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