William R. "Ret." Hoettels RN, MAJ, US Army Reserves

William, a man of service, art, and adventure, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, William embodied a spirit of dedication and creativity that touched many lives.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1966 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Driven by a sense of duty, he was commissioned into the United States Army as a Medical Service Corps officer, embarking on a distinguished military career that included two combat deployments to Vietnam. During his first tour, he served as a medical supply officer with the 44th Medical Brigade, 542nd Medical Company. Later, his artistic talent led him to the Vietnam Combat Art Program, attached to the Chief of Military History, where he served with the 9th Combat Artist Team from September 1, 1969, to January 14, 1970. William's artwork, capturing the realities of war with poignant detail, earned him multiple art awards and was featured in military exhibitions across the country. His deep knowledge of military history extended beyond his artistic endeavors, as he shared his expertise teaching at the Marquette Army ROTC program and supporting a local Army Command and General Staff College course.

Following his military service, William continued his commitment to caring for others. In 1978, he graduated from the Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse. He served patients across a wide range of needs, from pediatrics to dialysis. Notably, he found joy as a camp nurse, most recently with his beloved Camp Sea Gull family in North Carolina, where he was honored with the "Character Counts" award.

William's love for horseback riding led him to a pivotal moment in his life. While on Active Duty at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 1973, he met Mary Elizabeth, the woman who would become his cherished wife. Together, they shared countless hours in the saddle, exploring trails and creating lasting memories wherever their military careers took them.

Beyond his professional pursuits, William possessed an insatiable zest for life and adventure. He reveled in "wild goose chases," whether exploring apple orchards, chasing trains, enjoying barn breakfasts, touring battlefields and national parks, embarking on fun trips across Hawaii with his brother, or exploring cathedrals in Europe and savoring sake in Japan. This love of travel and discovery has been passed down to his children.

William's passion for the arts remained a lifelong pursuit. He eagerly embraced new artistic techniques through courses with the Wauwatosa Recreation Department. He also delighted in sharing his knowledge of Scottish knitting traditions at the International Folk Fair and proudly supported the Caledonia Scottish Dancers, where his children performed.

In recent years, William found immense joy in supporting his grandchildren in their educational pursuits. From shared reading and library time to coffee and pastry dates, trivia games and puzzles over chocolate milk, he cherished every moment spent nurturing their minds and creating lasting bonds.

William joined his beloved wife Mary Elizabeth Cooper in heaven and is survived by his children, Colonel Elizabeth Anne Louise Hoettels, US Air Force, Petty Officer Rebecca Ann Marie (Damir) Sadriyev, US Coast Guard, William Charles (Meagan) Hoettels, and Brian Adam Christopher (Travis Wertz) Hoettels, and his beloved grandchildren, Nikol Emma, Maxim, and Liam. He is also survived by his brother, David (Kathy Czerwinski) Hoettels, CPO, US Navy Reserves (Ret.), his nieces and nephews, Jessyca and Peter Hoettels, and was dearly loved by Bob, Alice, Ken and Lorna Schilleman, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive Milwaukee WI, from 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Funeral Service at 7:00 PM.

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