Willard T. Liedtke

Willard "Bill" T. Liedtke, age 85, of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Monarch Meadows in New London. He was born on January 11, 1940, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Willard and Irene (Yoerin) Liedtke.
On March 24, 1962, Bill married Karleen (Berger) Liedtke in Milwaukee. His career with Acme Printing, Inc. brought the couple to Appleton, and they eventually settled in the Fremont area, where they raised their family. Bill dedicated over 40 years to Inx International Ink Company (formerly Acme) before retiring.
A devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in East Bloomfield, Bill served faithfully as church president for several years and as an elder. He especially enjoyed coaching the church's Young People's softball league-a role that brought him immense joy through his connection with the youth.
Bill also gave back to his community as a Town of Wolf River supervisor. In his free time, he loved golfing at Weymont Country Club, fishing, woodcarving, and cheering on his favorite Wisconsin teams, especially the Green Bay Packers. He is a past member of the Waupaca City Band and the Bloomfield band, playing his Baritone. He was an active volunteer with his local Ducks Unlimited chapter and participated in the Invaders Snowmobile Club in Fremont. In 2005, Bill led the Town of Wolf River's Sesquicentennial celebration as chair, working alongside a dedicated committee of friends. Together, they compiled a book titled "A River Flows Through", chronicling the history of the township.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Karleen; his four children; and as "Paca," he was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and great-grandfather to two. Heidi (Simeon) Wolf and their children: Ethan, Leah (Kyle) Buhr and their son Luka, Kaleb (Emily) Wolf and their daughter Marlowe, and Julia Wolf. Daniel (Christine) Liedtke and their children: Sam and Anna. Kari (Dan) Weinholzer and their children: Riley, Jack, and August "Gus". Joel (Amber) Liedtke and their children: Jay and Meadow.
He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Jodee) Liedtke; brother-in-law, John (Villa) Berger; sister-in-law, Donna Liedtke; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and dear friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Peggy (Clem) Kreye; two brothers, David and infant John Liedtke; sister-in-law, Berny Liedtke; and cherished aunt and uncle, Tom and Mary Jane Genske.
The Christian funeral service for Bill will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 8580 37th Ave., Fremont, with Pastor Paul Mose officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Bill will be laid to rest in East Bloomfield Cemetery.
The Liedtke family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Monarch Meadows, and Ruth Pankow Behm, for their compassionate care during Bill's brief time there-it meant more than words can express.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church & School, or to a charity of your choice.
'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40