William "Bill" R. Spiegel

A Celebration of Life gathering for William R. Spiegel will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with family greeting the public at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, Nebraska. A private family inurnment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery with military rites provided by the American Legion Post #162 of Albion.

William Roy “Bill” Spiegel, 99 years of age, of Albion, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Litzenberg Longterm Facility in Central City, Nebraska. Bill was born in Albion, Nebraska on August 6, 1926, the eldest of eight children born to John and Edna (Kemper) Spiegel. He received his education from Albion Public School until enlisting in the United States Army on November 29, 1944. He actively served in World War II with the 85th Chemical Mortar Outfit in the Philippines performing various mechanical duties specializing in carburetors. He drove a variety of military vehicles during his time in the service, hauling personnel supplies and equipment. Following the war, Bill transferred to the Combat Engineering Group, where he was an instructor of heavy equipment operations for other service members. He honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1946.

In 1945, Bill married Lois Geddes in Idaho, and three children were born to this union: Billy Jo, Karen and Jim. The couple made their home in Idaho, until Lois passed away in 1954.

Bill returned with his family to Albion, Nebraska and on February 24, 1956. Bill united in marriage to Gloria Murphy and to this union four children were born: Gay, Terry, Patricia, and Anthony, who passed away in infancy. The couple moved around with their family residing in Ravenna, Gothenburg, Aurora, and later Albion. Gloria passed away in March 1997.

Following his time in the service he was employed as a mechanic and car salesman; he had a special enjoyment of talking about his time at Bill’s repair. Bill joined the police force in Albion working as a city police officer, then later for the County Sheriff’s Department in Boone County. Bill was a man of care and loyalty, which shined through his years of service working in the community of Albion. Following his retirement from the police force, he worked at the Albion Municipal Airport as grounds maintenance until his late 80’s.

Bill really enjoyed one-on-one conversations and socializing in town with his friends, most of all at the Dew Drop and later White Star. Bill was a man who loved to keep score whether it was at the card table or on the golf course, his competitive and strong-willed nature always had him full of perseverance and determination. Between his love for cars, even if he did have a knack for trading them in more frequently than keeping them, and his assortment of trinkets or picking the ugliest dogs he could find, Bill always had his family on their toes wondering what they would find that was “new” during their next visit. He had a special sense of humor that always shined through his hilarious facial expressions and that ornery little grin he wore proudly.

Of all his best attributes the most important one was his ability to do whatever it took to support and provide for his family, he was such a hardworking man over his lifetime. Bill was a man who loved his children and all generations of grandchildren more than his words could ever express. He lit up when joking around with his grandchildren and he loved to share his silly expressions and sense of humor with them; it is those quirks we all will miss the most.

Although he had a passion for cars and bowling and loved golf, the thing that really filled Bill’s heart with the most joy was fishing. The quiet mornings and the sunny afternoons on the lake are where Bill found the most peace. He was the ultimate fisherman and golf partner, he has played his final round and cast his last line, and his family will cherish their memories with him forever.

Bill was preceded in death by his wives, Lois Geddes Spiegel and Gloria Murphy Spiegel, his parents, his daughter, Karen Scheffler, his son, Anthony Stuart in infancy, son-in-law, Guy Scheffler; 4 brothers, one sister in infancy, 6 sisters-in-law, one nephew, two nieces and special friend, Phyllis Michel.

Bill leaves to celebrate his life his children: Billy Jo (Stella) Spiegel of Central City, Jim (Kathy) Spiegel of Kearney, Gay (Jerome) Drozd of Genoa, Terry (Steve) Thompson of St. Edward, and Patti (Brian) Saltzman of Lushton; stepdaughter, Fran Lange of Minden; two brothers: Dick Spiegel of Albion and Kenny Spiegel of Hughson, CA; one sister-in-law, Kathy Spiegel of Loup City; 16 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 35 great great grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; 24 step great grandchildren; 3 step great great grandchildren; and a host of many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends which are a testament to the lives he touched.

A memorial has been established in Bill’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness may be sent to the family at levanderfuneralhome.com.