William “Bill” Arthur Wierschke

William “Bill” Arthur Wierschke, age 77, of Brillion, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on July 4, 1948, in Greenleaf, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur and Eileen (Pagel) Wierschke. He graduated from Wrightstown High School, where he first developed his love for sports. After high school, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea.

Upon returning home, Bill took over the family farm before going on to work for Tax Air Courier. But the true adventure of his life began when he met and married the love of his life, Renee Koehler, on November 13, 1989, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Renee was the center of Bill’s world — his partner, his joy, and his reason for everything. Bill lived every day for her, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Bill was an avid pilot and, alongside Renee, co-owned and operated Mighty Z Hot Air Balloon Company. Flying was not just a hobby for Bill — it was a passion he loved to share with others. He delighted in bringing joy to everyone he took up in the air, showing them the beauty of the world from above. To those who knew him, Bill was as much a part of the flight as the flight itself — his enthusiasm, blue eyes, and warm smile could light up the sky and every room he entered.

Beyond aviation, Bill enjoyed photography, marksmanship, chain sawing, and relaxing with a good western show. He also found great joy spending time at Dennis and Lynn Behnke’s farm, where he spent many hours lending a helping hand. Bill cherished those days — the work, the laughter, and the sense of friendship and purpose that came with being part of the farm’s rhythm. He especially loved spending time with his grandson, Johnny, teaching him how to load, reload, and shoot. Those afternoons spent target shooting together at the farm brought Bill tremendous pride and joy — a shared passion and a bond that will always be remembered

He approached everything in life with the same steady hand, curiosity, and kindness that made him so beloved by family and friends alike.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eileen (Pagel) Wierschke; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Faye Wierschke; and his sister-in-law, Sue Koehler.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Renee; his stepchildren, Sherry Steel (Petrashek) of Manitowoc, Jason (Alex Hass) Petrashek of Sorrento, Florida, and Tina (Rick) Lyons of Two Rivers; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Bill is also survived by his niece and nephews: Larry (Julie Novak) Wierschke of Ashwaubenon, Mark (Cindy Paur) Wierschke of West Salem, Joel (Jill Van Laanen) Wierschke of Brownsville, Texas, and Keri (Robert) Lemke of Appleton.

In addition, Bill is survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ralph (Chris) Koehler of Waupun, Gary Koehler of Beaver Dam, Terry (Doreen) Koehler of Two Rivers, David (Mary) Koehler of Appleton, Nancy (Dennis) Eick of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Pam (Jim) Delmont of Green Bay, and Thomas Koehler of Illinois.

Bill’s life was one of service, love, and joy. His gentle heart, bright eyes, and unwavering devotion to Renee will be remembered always. Though his balloon may have touched down, the warmth of his spirit will continue to rise in all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Aurora Hospice staff for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion during Bill’s final days. Your support and comfort meant the world to him and to all of us.

A special thank-you is also extended to Pam Delmont, Dennis and Lynn Behnke, Glen and Judy Abel, Mike Denor, my girls Sherry and Tina, and Jackie Grant for their incredible love, care, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and presence brought great comfort to Bill and to our family.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bill will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Reedsville Sportsman Club, 7015 Pleasant View Rd, Reedsville, WI. A military salute and short service will take place, with fellowship to follow as family and friends gather to share memories, laughter, and love in remembrance of Bill’s beautiful life.