Bill, also known as Billy to many, grew up in Parkville, Minnesota where he learned to fish, play hockey, and hunt.
Bill enlisted in the Navy in October 1963 where he completed his basic training in San Diego, California. From February 1964 to July 1967 Bill was assigned to the Bon Homme Richard (CVA31) for Pacific Fleet operations where it patrolled the South China Sea providing air support for expeditionary ground forces in Vietnam. Then from August 1964 to June 1965 he enrolled in the Electronic Technician School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago. Lastly Bill was assigned to the Naval Communications Station in Sidi Yahia, Morocco from July 1965 to October 1966. While there Bill was assigned to a remote Tropospheric Scatter communications station.
Bill was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Certificate of Recognition for Service during the Cold War.
While Bill excelled during his time in the military he was also exceling in his personal life. On August 9, 1969 Bill married Jean and went on to have three beautiful girls: Sherry, Carrie, and Kristina.
From July of 1982 until December of 2001, Bill worked with ExxonMobile serving as a Manager/Consultant for their Global Information Systems.
He was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter and fan. He loved attending baseball, soccer, football and basketball games, dance recitals, and school programs. He and his wife were there for it all no matter heat, rain, or shine.
Bill loved spending time at the family lake house at Howell Club Lake in East Texas. He also had a yearly tradition of going deer hunting in his home state of Minnesota.
Bill was a man who left many with precious memories. From golf cart rides with the grandkids to casual conversation with the neighbors.
He was quiet, humble, kind… and could make the best pancakes around.
We love you, Dad!
Bill is proceeded in death by his parents Willard and Edith Niemiste.
Bill is survived by his children; Sherry (Eric) Sickler, Carrie (Robert) Stovall, and Kristina (Adam) Kessler. Siblings; Willard “Bud” Niemiste, Nancy Sheehy, Carol Saari, Polly Lalonde, and Evie Stockey. Grandchildren; Savannah and Jake Sickler, Mackenzie Stovall, and Peyton, Cason and Carter Kessler.
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