F. William Nienstedt

F. William Nienstedt, age 90, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Caseville, passed away May 19, 2008 at his home in Mesa.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on July 17, 1917. He was the youngest child of Charles and Sadie Nienstedt. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, George.

At the age of five he moved with his parents to Caseville, Michigan. In the early 30's he and his brother built and operated the Sunoco gas station in Caseville.

He entered the Army in 1942, serving 3 1/2 years in the E.T.O. His sojourn in the military included North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He was in the invasion at 10 a.m. on D-Day at St. Tropez in southern France. He was honorably discharged in August 1945.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Valta (Diebel), and two daughters, Peggy Smith and Joan Flynn both of Michigan; five grandchildren, Adam, Kristina, Matt, Andy and Sarah; and five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Connor, Jacob, Hazel and Colin.

Bill served as Caseville Postmaster from 1955 through 1972. After his retirement, he and Valta moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1974.

Bill and Val were both active members of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa.

He was a Life Member of Hubbard-Winsor Masonic Lodge in Michigan; a member of American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, MI; an Officer and Charter Member of East Mesa Consistory Club; a member of El Zaribah Shrine Patrol of Phoenix; and a Life Member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, May 29th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville with Rev. John Britt of the Pigeon First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Elkland Township Cemetery outside Cass City.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, AZ, and/or Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa,AZ.