William Joseph Nemecek

William Joseph Nemecek, 91, of Rapid City, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a long illness, with grace and courage, with his daughter at his side. He was variously known as Bill, Chuck, Dad, Grandpa, Puppa and Willie to his large family and circle of friends. He was born on December 9, 1925 to Veronica and Valent Nemecek, proud Slovak immigrants, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. PFC Nemecek served in World War II, volunteering to become a paratrooper in the 17th Airborne Division, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment. One month after his 19th birthday, he was wounded and captured by an SS Panzer unit on January 4, 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge in Flamierge, Belgium. He spent the next six months in captivity, after being force marched from Belgium to a prison camp in Muhlberg, Germany. Freed from Stalag 17 in May of 1945 by Soviet troops, he walked back to Allied lines. For his courage in battle, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with clusters, the POW medal, and others. He returned home to his family in Detroit and worked for 10 years at the Kelvinator Appliance plant until joining the City of Detroit Water Department. He retired after 20 years as a Crew Chief and moved to northern Michigan. William married the love of his life on October 4, 1974, Carmelina Aquilina Nemecek and inherited three children Joseph, Richard and Roseann. They were married for 35 years, until her death in 2008. He imparted his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors on 18 year old Rich and spoiled 14 year old Roseann to no end. William was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids where he served as an usher at Mass for many years. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, NRA and a 5th Degree of the Knights of Columbus. His Roman Catholic faith, his family, and veterans causes were his passions. He spoke with everyone he met, regardless of station in life or occupation. The walls of his home are covered with photos of family and faith. William is survived by three children, Joseph M. Fasi II (Lynn Fasi), Richard Fasi, (Lori DuCheney Fasi) and Roseann Fasi, his precious and much loved grandchildren, Anthony Fasi, Boyd Coleman, Shannon Fasi, Carmelina Taylor, Marisa Stewart, Christina, Rebecca, Victoria and Laura Fasi, five great-grandchildren, his sister Rose Randall, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Valentine and Frank, and his devoted wife Carmelina. Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids at 9:30 AM on Saturday January 7, followed by the funeral mass at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, Williams family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Veterans charities, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of the donors choice appreciated.