William Ray Kiesner

Bill was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on January 11, 1944.

He had a passion for fishing that started at a young age on the piers and off of bridges in Manitowoc, WI with his brother Kenn while growing up.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from July 1962 to July 1982, and he retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of loyal service. He became a Shellback in 1970 on the USS Davidson and he spent most of his career on the west coast at ports in San Diego Ca, Bremerton Wa and Hawaii. He had numerous deployments and operations in the Western Pacific Ocean to include 3 Vietnam tours. After retiring from the US Navy, he continued to serve his country as a government civilian employee for 10 years as an ammunition division at Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California.

Bill was a hard working honest man with an infectious laugh. He had a lot of friends and a huge heart filled with love. He loved the outdoors and he liked spending his weekends fishing and camping with family and friends. He taught his grandchildren how to fish and camp. He especially love fishing with his Brothers- in-law Tom and Richard which he called his brothers. They fished Antelope Lake for years. Bill had actually named his lures, and he knew what caught what. Bill had been known for hooking his fingers together which caused him to drive himself to Susanville hospital to get the hooks removed and then he would drive back up to the lake to fish some more. He loved his tea and crumpets on the lake in the early morning, and he loved to work in the yard and go for drives to see the countryside. He also loved to play cards and hosted many poker parties.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents James Kiesner and Evelyn Kiesner Petreshock(Steve) of Manitowoc WI, and his brother Kenneth Kiesner of Bellingham WA.

Bill is loved and will be missed dearly by his wife Judith Kiesner, his sister Linda Koch and his sister-in-law Pamela Kiesner.

He is also survived by his wonderful children; his son James Kiesner and Shannon, Russell Keller and Patrizia, Cheryl Pini and Gary, Peter Goddard and Statia, Carolyn Rhoten, Cynthia Jarand and Mark. Grandchildren, Amber Dague, Dillon Diebler, Michael Jarand and Diana, Kimberly Jarand, Gary Pini and Jenna, Johnny Pini and Miranda, James Keller and Fede, Kevin Keller and Madison.

Great Great Grand children, Charles Diebler, Adlai Diebler, Lucine Jarand and Lena Jarand.

There will be a military service to be announced on a day to be determined.