William F. "Bill" Drackley

William "Bill" F. Drackley, age 83, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
The family is respecting his wishes not to have a funeral, instead they will be planning a celebration of life at a later date. Bill always hated the cold, so it will be announced when the weather is warm.
Bill was born on March 2, 1942, to the late Gilbert and Laura (Gessert) Drackley. Bill married the love of his life, Celia Forst, on December 7, 1968, in Chicago, IL. He was a dedicated and loving husband for 57 years. He was a devoted father to his two daughters and his four stepchildren, that he loved and raised as if they were his own. When one thinks of the definition of what makes a good man, Bill checked all the boxes. He was the type of man that would do anything he could to give someone a hand or help get them out of a pinch if he could help. He could fix just about anything... even if it wasn't broken. He loved to tinker in his garage fixing things or taking things apart to figure out how it worked. Then he'd put it back together again and oftentimes it even worked better. Bill was a welder and pipefitter by trade. He was part of the Local 434 Union from 1970 until his retirement in 2003.
Bill's greatest joy in life was spending time with his beloved wife, family, grandkids, and great grandkids. He loved family get-togethers with all the kids around. He was always ready to get into mischief, tell a story or watch a good western on tv. You never saw Bill without a smile on his face. Bill also loved many grand dogs over the years, and they all seemed to love him just as much... and that may have been from all the treats he carried in his pockets when he'd go on a visit. Bill was loved deeply by his family and will be missed beyond measure.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Celia; children, Gary Stanislawski, Marie Stanislawski, Mark (Pat) Stanislawski, Lisa Swires, Tonya (Kevin) Gebert, Paula Sairs; 17 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild due in February and sister, Mary Lemay.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Drackley; sisters, Betty Thompson, Elaine Morse and best friends, Jerry and Cliff.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Aspirus Riverview Hospital ICU nurses, doctors and staff for the exceptional care, compassion and comfort provided. We are eternally grateful.