William M. "Billy" Jirikowic, Combined Locks, age 69, passed away at home the morning of Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from congestive heart failure with his loving family at his side. Husband, dad, brother, uncle and friend, Bill will be deeply missed by all who had contact with him. He was born in Kaukauna on January 18, 1944 to the late Wesley and Elizabeth (Liebergen) Jirikowic. Bill graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1962. He married his loving wife, Carol Hietpas, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute on June 19, 1965. Bill retired from Thilmany Papers after more than 40 years of service.

He was a very active member of Ducks Unlimited for over 20 years and served as the Master of Ceremonies at their annual banquet. Bill enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. He also loved to fish and ice fishing was his favorite. Bill was a talented ice fisherman that could out-fish anyone. He treasured time at the family cottage on Lac Vieux Desert.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Carol; children: Karla (Jim) Woltman of Green Bay; and Mike (Barbara) of Neenah; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Andrew Woltman, Levi and Lydia Jirikowic; sisters and brother: Karen (Nyles) Priest, Ron Jirikowic, Carolyn (Leon) Biesterveld and Connie (Dan) Mc Morrow; sisters and brothers-in-law: Judy Jirikowic, Bernice (Jerry) Vandenberg, Rose Ann Lauer, Janet (Dave) Janssen, Mary Ellen, Robert (Judy), Fred (Pat), Jerry (Mary), Joan and David (Linda) Hietpas; and special Goddaughter Kelly Effa. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by Carol's parents, Sebastion and Helen Hietpas; brother Jack Jirikowic; sisters and brother-in-law: Joyce Kees, Eunice Jirikowic and Norb Lauer; and niece Julie Lauer.

Visitation will be held Saturday May 4, 2013 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral at 12:00 Noon with Chaplain Jordan Kuczwara officiating. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Bill's family would like to thank Dr. Montgomery Elmer and Dr. John Swanson. Your concern and care through the years meant to world to us. Also, thank you to the staff at Theda Care at Home Hospice, especially Amy, Dawn, Todd, Jill and Jordan, for all you did for Bill and our family.

***Please note that Main Street in Little Chute is under construction. There are detour routes to follow. O'Connell Funeral Home is at the corner of Main Street and Sanitorium Road. If travelling on Lincoln or Wisconsin Avenues, you will be able to access the funeral home at Sanitorium Road. If you follow the posted detour route on Hwy. OO, turn south on Rosehill Road and right on Main Street. O'Connell Funeral Home is just past Hollanders on your right hand side. Please call 788-6237 with any questions.