Bill was born December 15, 1921 in Armstrong Creek, WI to William and Cora (Smith) Wedeking.He graduated from Goodman High School in 1940. He married Ottice “Nikki” Nickerson in Macon Georgia on March 28, 1947. She preceded him in death in 2013.
Bill is survived by his son William Jr. “Rocky” (Terri) Wedeking of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Granddaughter; Tiffany (Tony) Lueck of Prentice, Great Grandchildren Joshua Lueck and Lindsey Wadcinski, Great-Great Grandson James Lueck, and Son in Law Dean Johnson of Rice Lake.
He is further preceded in death by his Parents, and Daughter Shaunee Johnson.
Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 3, 1940; and was commissioned 2nd LT Infantry on December 1, 1942. He attended Glider, Paratroop, Demolition and Ranger School in 1943. He made both combat jumps on D-Day and Holland as a machine gun officer, 3rd BN, 506 PIR; and was wounded on D-Day. He was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division and station in Hokkaido, Japan from 1946 – 1947, and was then assigned to Far East Command, Tokyo, Japan in 1950; Inchon and North Korean Invasions. Upon his return to the United States, he became an advisor to the Wisconsin National Guard from 1951-1954; then was reassigned to Germany and France from 1956-1960. He retired from the military on December 1, 1961. He was awarded 26 decorations including the Soldiers Medal and French Legion Honour.
Cremation rites have been accorded, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Arlington Cemetery.
