William "Bill" Streeter

William "Bill" Streeter, 94, of Topeka, Kansas-a faithful follower of Christ, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-laid down his burdens and entered glory surrounded by family on November 22, 2025.
Bill was born April 13, 1931, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of William and Mary "Carolyn" Streeter. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Duke Streeter.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954 as a Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Antietam, an aircraft carrier active during the Korean War era. After returning home, Bill worked in the construction industry before establishing Streeter Construction.
On June 2, 1957, Bill married Shirley Ann Mesmer at Rossville Christian Church. Together, they built a marriage and a home grounded in love, faith, and service. Their life together reflected the Scripture: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Bill and Shirley were known for their affection for one another and their partnership in every area of life.
In the early 1960s, while working full-time, Bill began building the family home on Wenonah Road. Every evening and weekend, he poured his energy into the project, crafting it board by board with his own hands. The home became a lasting symbol of his devotion to Shirley and their family, a place filled with faith, warmth, and love for more than sixty years. Eventually, they moved to Brewster Place, where Shirley lovingly cared for Bill after his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
Bill and Shirley loved to travel, exploring nearly every state-except Hawaii-as well as Canada and Mexico. They were also avid collectors, sharing a passion for antiques-especially Blue and White pottery. Bill's personal favorite was his collection of antique toy cars, a reflection of his love for craftsmanship and history.
They were active members of Topeka Bible Church, Countryside Christian Church, and Bethel Baptist Church, where they formed lasting friendships and shared their faith. For more than 25 years, they attended the Koinonia class at Topeka Bible Church, where Bill loved studying Scripture and fellowshipping with friends. Bill loved the Lord deeply and shared the gospel of Christ with many, leading at least one person to accept Jesus as their Savior. His life reflected the words of Joshua 24:15: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Bill's faith was always active-it showed in how he served others. He and Shirley volunteered with a number of disaster-relief organizations, helping communities devastated by natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. Bill also served faithfully with Campers on Mission, a Christian service organization, where he volunteered on countless projects and was honored to serve as President of the Kansas-Nebraska chapter.
Bill's love and legacy live on through his devoted wife of 68 years, Shirley Streeter; his son, Dwight Streeter; his daughter, Karen Streeter; his grandchildren, Jessica Streeter, Lauren (Ian) Lewis, and James Streeter, all of Topeka; four beloved great-grandchildren; and his brother, Thomas (Judith) Streeter, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He will be remembered as a man of faith, craftsmanship, and service-a steady, gentle, and humble presence whose legacy lives on in the family he loved, the work of his hands, and the faith he shared with others. Truly, "he fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). And with confidence, we rest in Christ's promise: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25–26).
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Topeka Bible Church at a future date. Details will be shared once the date is confirmed. A springtime graveside ceremony will take place at Rochester Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or plants please make a donation in Bill's memory to SLI, 3401 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66611 www.slitopeka.org/donate