Obituary of William "Bill" Frederick Muhlbach

William Frederick Muhlbach, known as Bill, passed away on October 22, 2010 at Heritage House, Stettler, Alberta loving surrounded by his family. Bill was born at Alsask, Saskatchewan and raised just down the road at Sibbald, Alberta where he took most of his schooling at the Rush Centre and Fairdale School. In 1936 during the Great Depression, he moved with his family to the Botha area seeking “greener pastures.” Bill then finished his grade 9 at Manthano School near Stettler. Bill then worked in lumber camps for a few years in Peers and Smith, Alberta and moved into farming in 1945. Bill married Mary Lunevich in 1948, starting their family shortly after. They bought the present farm in 1951 where they farmed and raised their family. Bill and Mary sold their farm in 2008 to move into their new home in Stettler. Bill’s steadfast and fair disposition led him into several positions with various organizations. He served as Director with the Waverly Rural Electrical Association, was on the Stettler Co-op Board for twelve years, four of those as President, on Stettler County Council for twelve years, the last three years as Reeve, and served with the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission from 1980 to 1989, acting as Vice Chairman for the latter part of his term. Bill was an active Ham Radio operator from 1952 until 1993, often talking throughout the world-which was quite a feat in those days before Internet. His natural talent for electronics led him into radio and TV repairs for neighbours and friends; and later on to his self-taught and very accomplished computer skills. Bill’s membership with the Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Stettler Heartland Seniors Bowling and Erskine Senior’s Floor Curling led him into many new and cherished friendships. He remained active with these new hobbies as long as his health permitted him to. Bill’s family was very important to him. Underneath Bill’s strong demeanor was a huge caring heart of gold. His wife, children and grandchildren were a very special part of his life. We will never forget Bill’s incredible sense of humour. He often joked to lighten up the most serious situations helping to ease times for his family and caregivers, right until near the end of his life with us. Bill is lovingly survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary and five children: Gerry (Gwen) Muhlbach, Dan Muhlbach (Christina Kostiuk), Les (Ann) Muhlbach, Lorraine (Jerry) Richards and Brenda (Bill) Turville. He is also greatly missed by his grandchildren: Marianne (Ryan), Jillaine, Kyle (Jenny), Cole, John (Megan), Karen (David), Randi, Mike, Rob (Alina), Rich (Natalie) and Pat. Bill is also survived by his sisters Ruth Kromm and Ruby (Del) Jolley; sister in law Helen Muhlbach/Smith (Ken); brothers in law Jim Kerbes, Albert (Joyce) Lunevich and Archie (Ila) Lunevich; step brothers Brian and Edwin Leicht and their spouses; step sister Annie Thomas; along with numerous loved cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents Fred and Kathryn Muhlbach, sister Helen Kerbes, sister and brother in law Doris and Rudolph Hennel, brother Howard Muhlbach, brother in law Don Kromm and nephew Ron Kerbes; as well as step mother Leona; step siblings Ernie, Olga, Teddie and Bertha (Leicht).