William Wilbert Meyet, 98, formerly of Gillett passed away December 8, 2021, surrounded by family.
Bill was born in Gillett in 1923, the youngest of five. His parents immigrated from Germany/Poland, which was why they only spoke German, at the age of 15 Bill joined the Civilian Conservation Corps then went on to the Army where he was a translator for a Major speaking German.
Bill was married, had two children, and was employed by Con Edison electric. After retirement Bill took up cycling, riding all over Europe becoming a competitive racer, he competed in races both abroad and in the US, often placing in the top of his age bracket. He had a prized procession, his racing bike with “Golden Spokes” that was stolen one night as he slept but cherished by Bill most of all was his longtime companion Vada Gibson, together from 1974 until her death in 2012.
Another biking story, at 75 Bill rode his bike from San Diego across the United States to Florida, he was able to dip his rear tire in the Pacific Ocean, and the front in the Atlantic Ocean, quite an amazing feat! Then he did it again! Unfortunately, Vada was attacked by a German Shepherd in Texas while on their journey, after some recovery at a local hospital, they continued their way.
Bill has lived with his son in Idaho for the last six years, cutting up bottle to place on trees, volunteering at the food bank, helping people, but has always desired to return to Gillett, missing his friends, the VFW, American Legion Post #300 and especially his sister Edna Ladwig.
William is survived by his son Bill (Lois), daughter Kathryn (Gary), 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and sister Edna Ladwig.
Bill was proceeded in death by his mother Augusta (Becker), Father Julius Meyet and stepfather August Stelzer, sister Lydia, brothers Yekel, Evrin and Reiny.
Visitation will at Kuehl Funeral Home Friday December 17, 2021, from 9am – 11:15am, at that time there will be sharing of the memories, a prayer service officiated by Paster James Athey, then full Military Honors. Bill will be laid to rest privately at St John’s Riverside Lutheran, Gillett.
