William 'Billy' D. Witzel was born on September 19, 1956, in David City, to William James and Marie (Mergl) Witzel and passed away on September 14, 2019, at home surrounded by his family in Dwight at the age of 62 years, 11 months and 26 days.

Billy grew up on a farm near Brainard, Nebraska with his sister Carla.  He attended Holy Trinity grade school and graduated in 1974 from East Butler High School.  He worked at Rolfsmeier Motors as a mechanic, McGowens and Hartmann Construction for several years, and then moved into truck driving.  He drove for several different truck companies before operating as an owner/operator of "Billy D Trucking" for 10 years.  Billy took on farming full time after his father retired, which included managing crops and livestock.  Billy married Valerie on November 6, 1987 in David City.  He was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church, the Dwight Volunteer Fire Department, the Richardson Township Board and was a Dwight Czech Festival Parade committee member.

Billy enjoyed riding his horse 'Thunder' on the prairie, raising cattle and sheep throughout his life, and having his Pomeranian dog 'Harley' by his side.  He cut trees to heat his home because he loved the smell of burning wood and the radiant heat it provided.  He loved the outdoors, road tripping with his '64 Chevy or Harley Davidson motorcycle, and visiting different states on his way to visit his sister on Orcas Island.  Billy liked western movies and playing spoons, he enjoyed good times with his friends.  He was a dedicated man with a strong work ethic, sarcastic and witty sense of humor who was immensely loyal to his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; daughter, Cayce Witzel; brother-in-law, Don Weston; father and mother-in-law, Theodore and Frances Kastl.

Billy is survived by his wife, Valerie Witzel, Dwight; his five children, Jerrod and wife Heather Witzel, Farley, IA, Jill and husband Mike Hewett, Omaha, NE, Kristy Mitchem, Norfolk, NE, Traci and husband James Ford, Elmwood, NE, Billie Jo and husband Jordan Stabenow, Gretna, NE; nine grandchildren, Angelyna Mitchem, Haylee Serres, Taylor Witzel, Tinley Witzel, Rykken Mitchem, Myles Stabenow, Grayson Hewett, Tanner Witzel and Brody Hewett; sister, Carla Weston, Eastsound, WA; four brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; nephew, Nathan and wife Fran Novak; niece, Traci Novak; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of many friends.  To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Billy.