William R. Kirstein

William (Bill) Kirstein, 94, passed away at Milestone Senior Living in Tomahawk on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with his daughters at his side. Bill was born in Wausau, Wisconsin to Raymond and Leona (Zunker) Kirstein in 1932. He graduated from Marathon High School and worked at Wausau Insurance Companies before enlisting in the United States Navy. He spent two years in the fire department at the Pensacola Naval Base, followed by two years aboard the destroyer escort ship, the USS McClellan. He was honorably discharged as an Engineman Second Class and received a Good Conduct Medal. Bill has been a member of the American Legion Post 469 in Marathon for over 55 years. In 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Shirley Zumann at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. They were true soulmates for over 65 years. Their marriage was one guided by their faith, and filled with love, respect, hard work, and fun. They felt blessed to have two daughters, Laurie and Susan. Throughout the years, Bill worked for various companies in the Wausau area including Wisconsin Distributing, Morley Murphy, Wausau/Nationwide Insurance, and he also owned the Hamm’s beer distributorship in Marathon County in the early 70’s. At the time of his retirement, he was a sales rep for Central Beer Distributors, where he acquired the nickname “Miller Bill”! He was also affectionately known by his family and friends as “Bubba”. He was a hard-working man who valued perfectionism, integrity, and principles. He was always willing to help others and became an “ambassador” for all the new residents while at Milestone. Bill’s love for music was evident throughout his entire life. In the 60’s and early 70’s he and his brother John provided live big band music at numerous places in Central Wisconsin including the Hotel Wausau, the Labor Temple and the Antlers Supper Club. They were known as “The Entertainers”, with Bill on the drums and John on the Cordovox. Whenever you walked in his house there was always music playing. In later years, he provided music at the Thirsty Thursday gatherings in the Harley Room at Milestone.

Bill was an avid fisherman, and a member of Bill’s (Hoeft) Musky Club in Wausau. He participated in numerous musky outings in the Northwoods, and knew all the good fishing spots on Somo Lake. He also enjoyed deer hunting and looked forward to the Friday night planning party before Opening Day! When Bill and Shirley moved to Tomahawk, he loved spending time in his woods and making his own firewood.

Survivors include two daughters, Laurie (Mark) Peterson and Susan (Randy) Blaschka, two grandchildren, Callie (Justin) Mayer and Tanner (Amy) Blaschka, and four great-grandchildren, Everly and Reyna Mayer and Elaina and Elora Blaschka. He is also survived by his sister Eileen Kolbe, sister-in-law Mary Kirstein, and special relative Betty Beck. Also surviving are numerous special relatives, and many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, his in-laws Otto and Clara Zumann, his sisters and brother-in laws Beverly and Bill Batz, LouAnn and Jim Jester, Delmar Kolbe, and brother John Kirstein.

The Memorial Service for Bill will take place 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Tomahawk, with Pastor Stephen Gillet officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30-11:00 AM.

Bill’s family would like to extend their utmost appreciation to Pastor Gillet for his home visits and friendship. Also, many thanks to the staff at Milestone, the VA, Aspirus and Marshfield clinics, along with Compassus Home Health and Hospice for their support, kindness and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to:

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 12 E. Wisconsin Ave, Tomahawk WI 54487

Northwoods Veterans Homestead, PO Box 1221, Rhinelander WI 54501

Compassus Hospice, 111 E. Davenport St, Ste 101, Rhinelander WI 54501

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.nimsgernfuneral.com.

Life on earth is only the beginning.