WILLIAM ""BILL"" WEDEL of Coaldale, Alberta passed away after a lengthy illness in the Taber Extended Care Unit on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the age of 81 years.

Bill was born on July 15, 1927 in New Brigden, Alberta to Anna and Henry Wedel. He attended school in Sedalia and worked with his family on the farm at New Brigden, Sedalia and Vauxhall. When his parents decided to retire and move to Coaldale. Bill continued to live with them and looked after them until their passing.

Bill worked as a feedlot and farm hand, in garages and then settled into working for the Town of Coaldale where he retired after 20 years of service. After retirement he pursued hobbies such as fishing (he cleaned and ate all the fish he caught), going to rodeos and buying and trading trucks in real earnest. He also traveled around Alberta visiting family and friends.

In 2006 when failing health set in, Bill asked to be moved to Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale. He was pleased his room was only 2 doors from where his Mother's room was when she was in the Lodge. He resided here until March of 2008 when further health problems arose and he had to move to the Special Care Unit that is part of the Extended Care Unit at the Taber Health Centre where he resided until his passing.

Bill is survived by his 2 sisters, Tina (Bill) Taylor of Viking, Alberta and Martha (Peter) Barg of Lethbridge, Alberta as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Henry Wedel, one infant twin sister at birth and sister Ann Unruh along with brothers Henry and Walter Wedel.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Thursday September 25, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 - 4 Street South Lethbridge, AB and also an hour prior to the church service in Coaldale.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2008 at THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 - 18 Street, Coaldale, with Reverend Randy Duek officiating. Interment to follow in the Coaldale Cemetery Mennonite Section.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the amazing staff that provided loving and tireless care for Bill at both the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale and the Special Care Unit at the Taber Health Centre.

In lieu of flowers donations in Bill's name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Fund, 207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2H1.