William L. Reab

REAB, WILLIAM L. “BILL”

William L. “Bill” Reab, age 72, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Manor Care Home in Appleton, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. William was born on January 20, 1938, in Buffalo Center, IA, the son of the late Lester and Anna (Frid) Reab. Bill graduated from Mason City High School as a straight “A” student, with the help of his wonderful girlfriend and future bride, Emily Paulson. After graduation, Bill and Emily were married in Mason City, IA on June 11, 1957 and have been side by side for the past 53 years. After marriage, Bill and Emily moved to Waterloo, IA, where he owned and operated a Standard Oil gas station. Their family grew with the edition of two sons, Steven in 1962 and Andrew in 1965. In 1967, the family moved to Appleton, where Bill would open an AAMCO transmission repair business. After being with AAMCO for several years, Bill decided that the franchise fees were too steep and didn't like anyone telling him his business, so he left and opened his own repair business called Appleton Automatic Transmission. Under that name, he remained in business for over 20 years, fixing anything that moved and helping many people. In 1994, after a mild heart attack, he decided that it was time to retire and enjoy his family. Bill spent many days chauffeuring his wife back and forth to work, making sure the car was warm going in both directions, meeting his sons for lunches, and hanging out with his grandkids. He loved to fish and always looked forward to the family's annual trip to Canada. A day didn't go by without Bill making the most out of every little thing.
William is survived by his wife, Emily; two sons, Steven (Peggy) Reab, Menasha, and Andrew (Debby) Reab, Appleton; step-son, Todd Rector, Appleton; two grandchildren, Erick and Emme Reab, Appleton; step-grandchildren, Laura (Dave) Drawenek, and Angela (Jerry) Stueber; step-great-grandchildren, Jesse, Kassi, Brady, and Dustyn; one brother, Lester (Glennavon) Reab, Waterloo, IA; two sisters, Shirley Reab, Waterloo, IA, and Leanna (Leo) Johnson, Mason City, IA. Bill was further preceded in death by a brother, David, and a sister, Linda Reab
Funeral services for Bill will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, with Rev. Tim Albrecht officiating. Friends may call on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Honey, Dad, and Grandpa, you were the center of our family. You were always there for everyone, at any time, without hesitation. You were a roll model that our worlds will sorely miss, but that heaven will warmly welcome.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri-County Chapel
3213 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 831-9905