William John Wettengel

Bill was born on February 15, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Robert and Armella Wettengel. He was the sixth born of their eight children. Coming from a large family, he learned at a young age what it meant to care for others. This helped shape him into the father he would become at 32 years old. Bill loved nothing more than spending time and playing sports with his children Allyson, Christopher, and Ashley. Being their #1 Fan, he showed up to every event and celebrated their accomplishments with his camera in hand — all while he held the role as an executive at Walmart.

Bill was personally recruited by Walmart founder Sam Walton, to launch grocery into his stores. Bill took a chance and moved his family to Bentonville to pursue this goal in helping pioneer the Walmart Supercenters. He built a long and respected 25-year career at Walmart, where he helped shape the company’s future and earned the trust and admiration of colleagues across the business. His impact was everlasting and showed in his final days when colleagues came to pay respects to the man who changed their lives.

He will always be remembered for loving passionately, working hard without complaint, and giving more than he asked for in return. He was always one to say hi to every stranger on the street or open the door and let everyone else go before him – that was Bill.

Bill was a strong man of Catholic faith and honored this in every step of life being the spiritual leader for his family. He attended Mass every Sunday that he physically could no matter what city he lived in knowing Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

His family would like to extend thanks to every nurse and caretaker who helped Bill along the way. The kindness and compassion shown to him touched our hearts deeply.

William is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Armella Wettengel, and his siblings James Wettengel, Betty Langan, and Roberta Miller.

He is survived by his siblings Patty Foster, Michael Wettengel, David Wettengel, and Kate Welch; his children Allyson Wettengel-Cavallaro and her husband Brad Cavallaro, Christopher Wettengel and his wife Ashley Wettengel (Ford), Ashley Detty and her husband Aaron Detty; and his grandchildren Aria Detty, Adeline Detty, Austin Detty, and Ranger Cavallaro.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Bentonville, Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 as well as his Celebration of Life following at Walton’s 5 & 10 at 1:00 p.m. above the Walmart Museum.

One of Bill’s love languages was writing personalized notes and cards. To honor this memory, the family asks guests to bring handwritten cards or notes to share what Bill meant to them.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation in his memory.