William J Trehal

Sept. 7, 1923 - Dec. 15, 2009

William J Trehal, 86, passed away early morning of Dec. 15, 2009, at his home in McCook, with his grandson present.

He was born Sept. 7, 1923, at home in McCook, the son of late William Walker Trehal and Esther Amelia Ebert Trehal. He was the third of four sons and one daughter. He grew up in a time that indoor plumbing was a luxury that his family did not have. They worked very hard and saved for the things the family needed and wanted. The boys were mischievous at times but always willing to help a neighbor in need. William and his brothers helped haul cement outside of McCook, and helped in the construction of the airbase.

After graduating from McCook High School in 1942, he was drafted into the Army and was sworn in, in Denver. He served as an officer's aid. Eventually, for the majority of his time with the Army, he was stationed in Norwich, England (1943-1945). His journey overseas allowed him the ability to travel to different parts of the world, during free time with life long friends he made in the service. William served in the Army from November 1942 through November 1946, he was honorably discharged from Big Field, Texas. After finishing his tour of duty, he moved back to McCook, where he courted the love of his life, Elaine Biesecker.

On Feb. 7, 1951, he married Elaine and they began his new life with a beautiful family, two sons and one daughter. William and Elaine had five children, a son and a daughter after their union, they were all active in sports and school activities. William and Elaine enjoyed dancing together and music time with the family. William played the organ and the piano. William also enjoyed get-togethers and playing cards with family and friends.

Shortly after his time in the service, he began employment with Nebraska Public Power Department, where he worked for over 30 years as an accountant, and eventually retired with them. William volunteered with the Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, Eagles, VFW and several other community organizations. He was a very giving, caring, loving man who enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors, was an avid gardener, bird watcher, hunter, and had a cabin at the Red Willow lake that the entire family enjoyed immensely.

William was a member of United Methodist Church of McCook.

William was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather and a best friend.

William is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Kathy Williams of North Platte, son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Robin Williams of Fremont, daughter Judy Arehart of Wichita, Kan., son and daughter-in-law Mike and Sue Trehal, daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Bill Halverson; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Trehal of Sedalia, Colo., and sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Don Wisdom of Boise, Idaho.

Mr. Trehal was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Trehal; his brothers, Merle Trehal and Cody Trehal; son-in-law, Jerald Arehart.

Memorial services will be Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, 1 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Michael Trehal officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with an honorary veteran's committal.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.