William N. Lechelt, age 89, of Merrill, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Artisan Assisted Living Center, Merrill.
Bill was born June 14, 1924, in Lincoln County, son of the late August and Emily (Rusch) Lechelt. He married Florence L. Torzewski on June 9, 1945. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2007. Bill had been a Postal Carrier, in Merrill, for the United States Postal Service. Many years ago he owned and operated ‘Lechelt’s Bar’ on Merrill’s Westside. From 1957 until 1967, Bill tended bar at Club Modern in Merrill, for then owner, Herb Schulz. He continued to tend bar at Club Modern until 1994 for owners Steve and Linda Blake. Bill enjoyed fishing, picking mushrooms and spending time in the woods, and baseball, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was stationed in Germany.
Survivors include his son, Robert ‘Mitch’ (wife, Ann) Lechelt, Waunakee; his granddaughter, Molly Lechelt, Waunakee; son in law, Scott Rucinski, Merrill; and several nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Rucinski, in December of 2002; and two sisters, Frieda Lee and Olga Hohenfeldt.
The funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Chaplain Scott Gustafson of the Wisconsin National Guard will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com