William A. Kestell, 70, of New Holstein, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the Calumet Medical Center in Chilton. He was born March 26, 1945, to the late William Sylvester & Annabelle (Lauson) Sylvester. His father died in World War II prior to Bill's birth. His mother married Orville Kestell and Orville adopted him as his own. Bill attended grade school at Holy Rosary Catholic School. He graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI and received his Bachelor Degree in business from Marquette University. Bill enlisted in the Army in the 4th Battalion Mech. 23rd Infantry division stationed in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his meritorious service in combat. On September 6, 1969, he married Julie M. Pontius in Danville, IL. Bill was the long-time president of Kestell Furniture Inc. in New Holstein; a company established by his father, Orville. He retired from Kestell Furniture in 2007. Bill had a long-time passion for music. He played in his first band, the Crossfires, in high school and continued playing throughout his lifetime. Bill was an avid reader and loved reading and researching World War II history. He was a member of the New Holstein American Legion Post 124. Survivors include his wife, Julie; his sister, Mary (Terry) Kolb of New Holstein; his brothers, Michael (Renee) Kestell of Plymouth, MN, Christopher (Debbie) Kestell of Bear Creek, WI and Howard (Veronica) Kestell of Burnsville, MN. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and his four legged friends, Charlotte Rose & Nora Louise. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, Art "John". Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue New Holstein, WI 53061. Rev. James Werner will preside. Burial with Military Honors conducted by the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 and the state Honors will take place in the Countryview Cemetery. Visitation: Family and friends may greet the family at the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the New Holstein First Responders, New Holstein American Legion Post 124 or the East Shore Humane Association in Chilton. For further details, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net Bill's family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the New Holstein First Responders and the staff at the Calumet Medical Center for their efforts; their kindness will never be forgotten.