William Austin Wiese

William "Bill" Austin Wiese, 93, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away on February 26, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Zephyrhills.

Bill was born to parents Otto H. Wiese and Dorothy Dean Austin Wiese, on 12/5/1928 in Atlantic, Iowa.

Bill married Ann, the love of his life, on 3/28/1953. Bill is survived by his wife Ann; sons Jeff Wiese (Lisa R.), and William "Bill" Wiese (Lisa T.); and daughters Andrea Eichinger-Wiese (Mark), and Janet W. Ramey (Pat). Bill is also survived by seven (7) grandchildren and nine (9) great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include: Ambre W. Kiddy (Shaun), Jacob Wiese (Michaela), Austin Wiese (Melissa), and Ashley W. Holmberg (Kenneth), Alexandra Eichinger-Wiese, Sarah Ramey, and Micheal Ramey (Laurel). Great-grandchildren include: William Kiddy, Stella Kiddy, Adalae Wiese, Finn Wiese, Amelia Wiese, Magnolia Wiese, Emily Holmberg, Calvin Ramey, and Jack Ramey.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Otto H. Wiese, mother Dorothy D. Wiese, and sister Alice L. Kay.

Bill was a man of strong moral character. He was committed to his family, and together with Ann, instilled those values in their children. In both career and in life, Bill was guided by his moral compass and lived with a high degree of ethics, frugality, and humor. Above all, Bills profound love for Ann, was the foundation of their family and their life together during their 68 years of marriage.

Bill grew up in Colfax, Iowa, and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1947. After graduation, he was accepted to Iowa State University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, where he studied Business. It was at Iowa State University where Bill met his wife-to-be, Ann L. Peterson. Upon graduation from Iowa State University, Bill commissioned in the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant and was assigned to flight school. In the fall of 1953, Bill completed certifications for single engine and jet aircrafts, followed by his F-86 certification in March 1954. It was in 1954, at the age of 26, when Bill received a certificate for breaking the sound barrier in his F-86 fighter jet.

Bill proceeded to have a successful career in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1979. As a nod to his love of learning, Bill also earned a Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University during his career. Some of Bills most notable experiences include: Flying F-86s during the Korean conflict, Starting up the Minute Man Missile program, Extensive involvement in the Apollo program, and Flying combat missions in F-105s over Vietnam in 68-69, where he was also awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross. Bills final assignment was serving as Commander of 6th ACCS out of Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia. During these years, Bill, Ann, and the children moved around the United States where they met and befriended many wonderful people. Their family travels included stops in Florida, Montana, Washington (State not City), Alabama, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia.

After retiring, Bill and Ann relocated to Whispering Oaks in Ridge Manor, Florida, where they lived for 32 years, enjoying golf and wonderful friendships. During these years, they would spend summers in the North Carolina Mountains, enjoying beautiful sunsets and creating more friendships. In 2018, Bill and Ann transitioned to Zephyrhills, Florida.

While many of his long-time acquaintances know Bill as "Colonel" Wiese, his favorite "titles" were always, Husband, Father, Poppy, Grandpa Bill, and Great-Grand Pa.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Hodges Funeral Home, 11441 US 301 N, Dade City FL 33525. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am, followed by a service beginning at 11:00. In lieu of flowers the family requests that friends consider a donation of remembrance in Bills honor to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org) or The American Cancer Society (cancer.org) in Bills name.

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center