William “Bill” L. Teel

William “Bill” L. Teel

Aug. 29, 1937 - July 22, 2022

INDIANOL, Neb. — William “Bill” Teel, age 84, of Indianola, was surrounded by his family when he passed away at his home in Indianola late Friday evening, July 22, 2022. Bill was born at the family home in Frontier County to Warren A. “Roundy” and Lucille V. (Fritsch) Teel. Bill grew up on the family farm north of Indianola in Frontier County, where he went to grade school. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1955. Bill did not enjoy farming too much in those days, so he joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 and served for four years.

Upon returning from the service, he married Barbara J. Vontz on June 18, 1960, and to this union five children were born: Kim, Mike, Teresa, Pam, and Rick. Bill was always a hard worker and supported his family. Bill spent many years as a trencher operator, and later became self-employed as a mechanic and welder. He later purchased his own trencher, restored it, and dug many miles of irrigation ditch. Bill said many times, “it’s how I made my fortune” before he officially hung up his polka dot hat for the last time.

Bill enjoyed hunting pheasants, fishing, and an occasional beverage (back in the day). Bill spent many hours helping his sons, daughter and most recently his grandkids build demo cars. Wild Bill graduated from Norton “college” in 1988. His family was so proud of him! He continued using that education until he passed away. Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a 40-year Honorary Member. He was a member of St. Catherine’s Parish. Bill was on the Indianola Fire and Rescue for 43 years! He loved chasing grandkids at sporting events and activities, sporting his two-sided hats and shirts (Dundy County/Southwest). He also got his first passport at the age of age 74 and enjoyed snorkeling, scuba, parasailing and most of all the buffets at several tropical locations. He may have also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. One of his daily highlights was the conversation at the Ag Valley round table.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; spouse, Barbara J. Teel; and one brother, Richard J. Teel and wife, Reba, of Springfield, Mo.

Bill is survived by his children, Kimberly S. Herrman and husband, Travis, of Indianola; Michael D. Teel and wife, Sandra, of Indianola; Teresa L. Foster and husband, James, of McCook; Pamela J. Reichert and husband, Richard, of Benkelman; and Rick L. Teel and wife, Ann, of Indianola; grandkids: Trisha (Dave) Willis, Chris (Savannah Johnson) Reichert, James (Brianna) Teel, Brandon (Shalynn) Reichert, Heather (Dustin) Webb, Kyle (Brooke) Teel, Nathan (Tiffany) Herrman, Steven (Mattie) Sander, Heath (KrisAnna) Teel, Tanner (Miranda) Teel, Zachary Herrman, Tyrell (Neleigh) Reichert, and Sydney Reichert (Riley Riggs); sisters-in-law, Jeanette Johnson, Darlene (Mark) Sweeney; Diane (Mark) Thee; and Rita Meier; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Bill loved his 28 great-grandkids and has one more on the way. He always said he should get plenty of birthday cake.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.  

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., on Tuesday evening, July 26, 2022, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m.,Wednesday morning, July 27, 2022, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Michael Houlihan celebrating.  Burial will follow services in the St. Catherine Cemetery in Indianola with full military honors.

Memorials may be given to the family of Bill Teel and will go toward the local and national organizations that Bill supported during his life. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.