"In addition to a previous tribute to Uncle Bill, I neglected to mention my mothers brother, George Roy, who as well served in the military in WWII and several aunts who worked in war supportive type jobs at home, including our mother Naomi, who worked several years in a large aircraft factory in San Diego. This generation certainly did more than their share for this great country. Holmlund's."
In loving memory of
Billie Bula
February 15, 1917 - May 18, 2017
Billie Bula, of Antigo, died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Care Partners under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 100 years old. He was born on February 15, 1917 in Uniontown, PA a son of Stanley and Mary (Klamerus) Bula,
Sr. He married Waymeth Roy on January 3, 1941. She preceded him in death on July 17, 2001.
He was raised in the town of Ackley and worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Ashland and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. In January of 1941 he enlisted in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He served on the west coast of the United States and in Germany during WWII and was discharged in October of 1945.
Following military service Mr. Bula returned to Antigo and began a 32 year career working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a switchman. He retired in 1976. Billie loved to farm. While working on the railroad he farmed with his father, Stanley, and brother, George, in the town of Ackley. In retirement he farmed at Mole Lake with his sons.
He was a member of the United Transportation Union, Antigo Rails, the Msgr. Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002, Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3, Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2653 and St. John Catholic Church.
Survivors include two sons, David and Edward Bula of Mole Lake; a daughter, Mary (Stephen) Bradley, Antigo; a sister, Angeline Cejka, Antigo; a brother, Raymond (Mary) Bula, Cross Plains; six grandchildren Richie (Terri) Bula, Cindy Bula, Paul (Kate) Bradley, Sarah (Carl) Meidl, Stan Bula Sr. and fiancee Britney, Justin Bula; 10 great-grandchildren Jake, Alex, Stan Jr., Sierra, River, Connor, Holden, Sydney, Meredith and Lainey.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two sons, Charles and his wife Angie Bula, Daniel Bula; three sisters, Anne (Jumbo) Ziebarth, Martha (Alex) Zaganczyk, and an infant sister, Dorothy Bula; four brothers, Stanley (Edna) Bula, Jr., George (Mae) Bula, Theodore Bula, Edward Bula; a brother-in-law, Norman Cejka.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday May 22, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery where the Antigo veterans will conduct military honors.
Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday also at the funeral home.
The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 2 p.m. Sunday and a parish wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday all at the Bradley Funeral Home.
Tributes
"Uncle Bill was one of my favorite uncles. He and aunt Way were always very kind to our family and my parents, Naomi and Jim. He represents so many good things for that generation. They grew up in the depression and he served our country in World War II, as did uncle Ed. Muraski and my dad, Jim Holmlund. Their values and honor have certainly been passed on to their children and grand children. I have always admired Uncle Bill for his friendly presence and positive outlook and consider him to have been a role model to look up to and admire. It has been an honor to have known him. Pete & Debra Holmlund "
"Mary Kay and Steve and family,
What a lovely tribute to your father. Sorry about his passing and sending you condolences and love. It's never easy to have a loved one leave us, but may memories, faith, family, and friends bring you comfort and peace. God bless you all! Your classmate, Valerie "