Charles "Bill" William Neitz

Charles “Bill” William Neitz passed away peacefully of natural causes at Hillcrest Care Center, in Wray CO on March 14th, 2016 at the age of 87. Bill was born on August 18th 1928 in the town of Cambridge, KS. He was the first born and the first son, of Miranda and Albert Neitz. He had 2 brothers, 2 sisters and several half siblings. Family was a very important part of his life.
Bill grew up in Laired & Wray CO and was a blessing to many communities around the area. Throughout his long life he worked at various jobs in the farming community. Bill was a very self-sufficient man who was straight forward about life. As a teenager he traveled to California and learned numerous trades. He returned to Colorado and married Betty Jean Redden on February 3rd, 1947. They had 4 children Barbara, Charleen, Barry, and Willy. Bill owned Neitz trucking with his sons until he retired in 1992. Being a hard working small business owner he had limited chances to travel, but enjoyed any chance he got to see other parts of the country. He was considered a jack of all trades. One of his best traits was his generosity. He would give you the shirt off his back. He found great joy in reminiscing about the past and things he had done with his beloved wife Betty.
In his last years he moved to Hillcrest Care Center. Despite his determination to stay in his homestead, once settled in Hillcrest it became his home away from home. He enjoyed recollecting with his many friends and participating in all of the various activities. The staff held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed their visits and “gossip sessions”. He was extremely thankful for the care they provided.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Barbra Huser & Charleen Stowe (Mervin) & his brother, Frank Nietz (Beverly).
Bill has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren some of which he had a large part in raising. He took pride in their many accomplishments.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Miranda & Albert Neitz, his wife, Betty Jean Neitz & sons, Barry Neitz & Evert “Willy” William; his brother, John Neitz; sisters, Velma Neitz & Wanda Vasquez, and son in-law, Ron Huser.
Service will be April 1st, 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Care Center. Inurnment will follow the service in the Eckley Cemetery in Eckley, Colorado. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Care Center, P.O. Box 100, Wray, Colorado 80758. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.