William D. “Wild Bill” Hanefeld, Sr.

CONTINENTAL – William D. "Wild Bill” Hanefeld, Sr., 97, of Continental, passed away at 10:18 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Meadows of Kalida. He was born February 27, 1929, in Continental to the late John and Mabel (Kirkendall) Hanefeld. William was previously married to Betty May Drew, she preceded him in death on May 6, 1966. On July 7, 1974, he married Dorothy Y. Lininger, she survives in Continental.

William is also survived by four children: Walter (Linda) Hanefeld, Betty Kay (Dean) Bidlack, both of Continental, William D. (Becca) Hanefeld, Jr. of Bluffton, and Yvonne Lee (Chris) Kelsey of Rossford; ten grandchildren: Nickolas Hanefeld, Denise (Mike) Recker, Toby (Jessie) Bidlack, Nathan (Alaina) Bidlack, Brandy (Levi) Hahn, Taylor (Dylan) Geckle, Adalie Hanefeld, Chloe Hanefeld, Harmony Kelsey, and Gabriel Kelsey; eleven great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Jackson and Shaylen Bidlack, Ella and Rhett Bidlack, Tyrus and Nessa Hahn, Miles, Willow, Jules and Cora Geckle, and Honorary Great-Grandson, Japheth Ndenab.

He is preceded in death by three brothers, George (Mildred) Hanefeld, Fred (Mary) Hanefeld, Everett (Gloria) Hanefeld; a sister, Betty Kay Hanefeld.

William retired as a rural mail carrier, where he worked for over 40 years. He was also a farmer and former school bus driver. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Continental. William liked to recite poems, he was an avid New York Yankee fan and loved to bowl and play cards. In his younger days he played softball. He was also a member of Continental Conservation Club, former clerk and council member for Continental. William enjoyed watching his grandkids and great grandkids school and sports activities; he also enjoyed listening to the Country Gentleman Band. He liked his Silver King tractors, and mowing grass.

Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, Continental with Pastor Philip Scherr officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday and again on Saturday from 10 to 11a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Continental. Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Continental Conservation Club.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com