William S. “Bill” Michelstetter, 65, died February 17, 2024, at Hospice House of Hutchinson, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born March 15, 1958, in Hutchinson, to William and Carma Leta (Nelson) Michelstetter. He fought a lengthy, but courageous battle with GPA, formerly known as Wegener’s Granulomatosis (a rare autoimmune disease) and a new diagnosis of MDS/Myelodysplasia Syndrome (a rare blood cancer).
Bill graduated from Buhler High School in 1976, and he worked various places as a product designer. He retired in March of 2023 from Kuhn Krause after 15 years of service. Bill enjoyed playing golf, fishing, camping and spending many summers at Kanopolis Lake. He was a die- hard St Louis and Arizona Cardinal fan. Bill and his wife, Linda, enjoyed visiting Bella Vista, AR every year to play as many golf courses as they could. In addition, he enjoyed coaching “Team Lightning Wrestling Club” for 8 years. Bill loved his family more than anything. He was a member of Inspire Church, Hutchinson.
On June 9, 1978, he married the love of his life Linda Meister, in Hutchinson, KS.
Bill is survived by: his wife of almost 46 years, Linda of Hutchinson; children, Laura Friesen (Kim) of Eagle River, AK, Jennifer Sullivant (Todd), and Kyle Michelstetter (Sierra); sister, Barbara Schneider (Steve), all of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Gage Friesen (Miriam), Kadon Friesen, Malia Friesen, Talon Sullivant, Cohen Sullivant, Nataleigh Sullivant, Tyson Michelstetter, and Jacoby Michelstetter; great-grandchildren, Hazel Friesen and Amelia Friesen; stepmom Carolyn Michelstetter; stepsister, Kathy Martin of Shawnee; stepbrother, Randy Martin of Missouri; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and his four-legged companion, Heidi Sue.
He was preceded in death by: his father, William Michelstetter; mother, Carma Leta Martin; stepfather, Keith Martin; and Leta’s companion, Clemons L “Pat” Bergmeier.
Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Inspire Church (formerly First Church of the Nazarene), 4290 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends following Bill’s service on Saturday. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.