William (Bill) J. Mehlbaum Jr., 69, formerly of Ashland, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on March 8, 2021.
Born June 24, 1951, he was the son of the late William J (Sr) and Doris (Shuttlesworth) Mehlbaum.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years Christine Weidensaul; along with his daughter and son-in-law Aryn and Jeremy Voeckler and the true light of his life grandson Garrett Voeckler. He is also survived by his sisters (who affectionately called him“Billy”) Sally Ringo, Judy Mehlbaum, Jeanie (Edward) Nolter, Janie (Sean) Farrell, and in laws Thomas (Christine) Weidensaul and Gail (John) Ahrensfield and many nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind many close family and friends who will have cherished memories of this quiet and mild mannered man. More than anything, he adored his wife, daughter, son in law and most of all his grandson.
Bill graduated from Cardinal Brennan High School in 1969. He then attended Pennsylvania State University – Berks. He retired in 2013 after 42 years from Tristate Envelope and upon retirement, he moved to Lewisberry, Pa to be closer to his only daughter and her family.
Bill was an active volunteer member of the Washington and Gordon Fire Companies for many years. In his 20’s Bill enjoyed hiking in the Adirondack Mountains with his friends Bill Locker and Joe Stinolis completing 25 of the 46 peaks.
He was also a league bowler at (Moyer’s) Lee’s Lanes in Ashland where he met the love of his life Chris. Bill was also an avid golfer over the years. Not letting his diagnosis of Parkinson’s and dementia slow him down, he continued golfing with the help of friends Carl Beury and George Slane, along with his sister Janie and brother in law Sean.
Bill loved traveling and took several golf trips to Myrtle Beach with Ronnie, Jerry and John. As a history and genealogy buff, Williamsburg and Gettysburg were frequent trips for his family. He also traveled to Canada, the Carribean, Italy and Ireland with family and friends. His favorite trips were his many visits to Walt Disney World where he would always be searching for the “Hidden Mickeys”.
Since retiring, he looked forward most of all to visiting Carl and Colette Beury in Florida during the winter. There were also many trips to the Sedar’s in Delaware to eat hard-shell’s and talk about family history and Ashland.
Bill was an avid Green Bay Packer, Hershey Bears Hockey and Washington Capitals Hockey fan. He enjoyed being a season ticket holder with the Hershey Bears where he loved attending games with his son-in law. However, his true enjoyment was taking and watching his grandson Garrett at his golf, hockey and baseball. He never missed a practice or game no matter how far he had to travel.
Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service. Burial will be private at a later date at the convenience of his family. Bill requests donations to be made on his behalf to the Washington Fire Co, Ashland or Homeland Hospice 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270 Harrisburg PA 17110.
Chris, Aryn, Jeremy and Garrett would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
They would like to especially thank Homeland Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Bill in his last month, especially Stacey, Laurie and Lindsay. We would also like to thank Joanie Malafarina, Gail Ahrensfield, Janie Farrell, Lynda Jones and Pastor Dana Beil for helping with his physical and spiritual care. Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland is in charge.
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