William C. Wiedeman Jr.

William C. Wiedeman jr, age 84, Hawley, MN, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2006. William "Bill" Wiedeman was born November 15, 1921 at Council Bluffs, IA to William C. Wiedeman Sr. and his wife Lois. It was there that he was raised and attended school. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1940. Bill had many fond memories of his family and friends "back in the old neighborhood". In May of 1942, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He studied aviation and served his country as an ace fighter pilot during WWII. He was involved in several campaigns and battles during that war, including both the Leyte and Mieyako Island campaigns. He braved many battles, once crashing his F6F Hellcat in the East China Sea. Following one mission he was the only fighter pilot to make it back to the carrier, USS Shangrila. He often lead the squadron in the photo-cat position, taking pictures of the enemy below as he flew. He received 2 Flying Cross medals, 3 Air medals, a Purple Heart, and medals for each campaign. After the war he spent some time as a test pilot and taught flight training at Corpus Christie, TX. He left the military in 1947 and pursued a career in sales. It was during this time that he met Ruby I. Sturm. also of Council Bluffs, IA. They were united in marriage at St. Patrick's Cathedral, July 17th, 1954, Council Bluffs, IA. There they made their home and started their family. They later spent several years in Columbus, NE. Eventually Bill, Ruby and their 7 children moved to Lake Park, MN. Later, Bill took a job in sales for Peterbuilt Co. of Fargo, ND. He retired from there in 1991. Shortly afterward he and Ruby moved to Hawley, MN. Ruby passed away in 2001. Bill had a wide variety of interests. He had a keen mind and seldom forgot even the smallest details. Bill's best attribute though, was that he was devoted and gracious towards his friends and family. He was genuinely interested in people and took the time to remember each name and something about each person he met. Bill enjoyed keeping up with his children and grandchildren's lives and appreciated the friendship and kindness of his neighbors and church community. This last year he especially looked forward to spending time with his special friend, Sadie Renshaw. Bill is survived by his 4 sons: Larry, Colorado Springs, CO, James Kari and John Sherri both of Lake Park, MN and Richard, Istanbul, Turkey. His 3 daughters: Patty Christenson, Moorhead, MN, Mary Mark Thompson, Audubon, MN and Margaret Paul Erickson, Hawley, MN. 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his 2 brothers: Robert Evelyn Wiedeman, New London, MN and Harley "Gus" Virginia Wiedeman, Spicer, MN. His sister-in-law, Mary Sturm, Crescent, IA and his brother-in-law, Donald Eunice Sturm, Council Bluffs, IA.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruby, his parents, his brother Eldon and one grandson.