William Peter "Bill" Steichen, age 85 of Shawano, passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 at Theda Clark in Neenah surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born September 17, 1929 to the late William R. and Nina L. (Sondergaard) Steichen in Dwight, IL. After attending Dwight Township schools and graduating in 1947, he left the family farm to pursue other opportunities. Bill was united in marriage to Doris Kline on October 7, 1950 in Dwight. He worked at the Reiber Construction Company building roads and bridges. He then had the opportunity to operate his own Sinclair Gas Station in Dwight. He did that for a few years and then was asked to work for P.L. Murphy Construction Company burying natural gas lines. This job brought Bill and his family to Shawano in 1960, where they settled and made this their home. After working in many communities and making many friends along the way, he began a new career in 1977. He built his barn and his business from the ground up, and began raising veal calves. He did this until 1993 when he sold the barn. Bill enjoyed taking care of his large garden, nurturing his many beautiful flowers and feeding the many birds that visited his unique bird feeders. Bill attended many auctions and sales to find that "special item" to add to his modest collection. Family was always at the center of his attention. He attended the many golfing events, Christmas get-togethers, 4th of July fish fries and other functions he deemed necessary for an important get-together. He will be missed at the nightly sessions at Howie's, where he rarely gave his own opinion, but rather listened to the vast knowledge that was exchanged each evening. Bill enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers. He would often share his ideas on how each team should be coached and what play the Packers should run. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Doris Steichen of Shawano, his children, Bob (Geri) Steichen of Cecil, Barbara (Mark) Wawrzyn of Green Bay, Brent (special friend, Jan Raddant) of Shawano and Brian (special friend, Julie Zajas) Steichen of Shawano, his grandchildren, Rob Steichen, Brad Steichen, Ann Jacobson, Amy Erickson, Jason Steichen, Jennifer Steichen, Jeff Steichen, Amber Steichen, Cassie Steichen, Jamie Steichen, Stacy Hooyman and Steffany Steichen, 9 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Tyler, Drew, Zack, J.J., Maccee, Danny, Aiden and Lily. He is further survived by his brother, Richard (Beverly) Steichen of Sun City, AZ and his sister, Martha (Joe) Polito of Joliet, IL, nephew, Todd Polito and nieces, Audra Nyquist and Emily Davies. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Bill, his son, Alan Steichen and his father-in-law, Clarence Kline and mother-in-law, Hazel Kline. A funeral service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Rev. Keith Swanson officiating. Burial will be in the Jerusalem Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00a.m. until the time of service. A special thank you to Theda Clark 2nd floor South nurses and doctors.