William Harold Willhelm, 100
Mr. William Harold Willhelm of Campbellsville, son of the late Fred and Bertha (Miller) Willhelm, was born in Mena, Arkansas on September 17, 1924. He departed this life on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the Taylor Regional Hospital, being 100 years, 4 months, and 12 days of age. He was born into a Church of God Seventh Day family, and he retained the faith instilled in him as a young child until his passing. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served his country honorably in the Pacific theater during WWII. His faith and religious beliefs wouldn’t allow him to handle firearms or ammunition, so his love for his fellow Americans was manifested through his care and compassion of the sick and wounded as a TEC 5 Medical Technician. It was a proud moment that he was allowed to draw the blood of General Douglas MacArthur at one point.
Mr. Willhelm was a man of many talents. After the war, he was hired at Montgomery Ward, and he worked there over 36 years as a electrical technician. He was a noted instrumentalist, especially on the piano and violin, and will be long remembered as a genuine “MacGyver” due to his fix-it nature.
He was a proud member of the VFW Post 10736 in Denver, CO, and the loyal husband to the late Thelma Dell (Harris) Willhelm, but his true passion was in his devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All who knew him, from a young boy to an aged man, were familiar with his love for the Bible and all the treasures it holds. He has spent many a decade laying up his retirement where moths and rust cannot corrupt it, nor where thieves can break in and steal it; may he now enjoy the fruits of his labor for all eternity.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
Two children: Virginia Uhlir of Wisconsin, and Lawanna Abell of Campbellsville,
Four grandchildren: Willie Abell, Manda Kelly, Jeff Uhlir and wife Danielle, and Cheryl Westfall and husband Jim,
A brother: Glenn Willhelm of California,
And a host of extended family members and friends.
Besides his wife, Mr. Willhelm was also preceded in death by three siblings: Dale Willhelm, Frieda Howland, and David Willhelm.
There will be a graveside funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Willhelm on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Campbellsville Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of L.R. Petty Funeral Home. Bro. Wayne Hrenyk will officiate.
