Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
A service celebrating and honoring his life will follow 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Arthritis Foundation.
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Willis “Bill” Adrian Pingel, 84, of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on December 25, 2025.
He was born on December 15, 1941, in Shawano, Wisconsin. Willis was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished family man.
Willis was married to the love of his life, Karen Pingel, for 64 years. Together, they raised two children, Mark Pingel and Lorilyn Horn (Pingel). Known by all who met him as easy-going and friendly, Willis valued family and friendships far more than material possessions.
He began his career with the J.I. Case Company in the 1960s, where he worked for many years before retiring in the 1990s. Outside of work, Willis lived a life full of passion and creativity. His many interests included hunting, fishing, electronics repair, home and automotive repair, car shows, farming, woodworking, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and restoring antique cars, tractors, and trucks.
Music was one of Willis’s lifelong joys. He loved performing and was the lead singer and bass guitar player for his band, “Bill Williams and the Country Classics.”
Willis is survived by his son, Mark (Kathy); grandsons Mike and Steve (Kim); great-grandsons Carter and Collin; brothers Martin “Rod” and Corvin; along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Pingel; his daughter, Lorilyn Horn (Pingel); his parents, Martin Pingel and Laura Arndt (Konkel); and his siblings Wendel, Lorina, Radolph, and his twin sister, Betty.
Willis is now reunited in heaven with his wife and daughter. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating and honoring his life will follow 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Arthritis Foundation.
Rest in peace, Dad. You’re in God’s hands now – He will take care of you.
– Mark
Thomas and Linda Windsor from Houston Tx says
Mark So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was very talented and played with our Dad Robert Windsor in the Country Classics Band.. Along with good friends Ed and Bert kannenberg. Those were awesome and fun times. Please take care of yourself and your Family. Thomas and Linda Windsor Houston Tx ❤️ Robert Windsors kids.
Kim Kannenberg says
I spent many years watching Bill and the playing in every honky tonk in Racine and Kenosha. Once I was of age I played in the band with Bill, Bob, my dad Ed, my Uncle Bob. Most memorable was Kellys Korner Klub in Racine where there was always something going on. I rode to work with Bill and Mike Miller my first day at JI Case company. I treasure the time I spent with Bill both on stage, at home, and at work. You will be missed my friend and I am sorry I did not get down to see you this year.
Jay Kannenberg says
HEY MARK, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW SAD WE FEEL OLE BILLY HAS LEFT US. I HAVE THE NICK NAME JOKER BUT I BELIEVE THAT BILL IS THE ORIGINAL JOKER. HE MADE US LAUGH EVERY MINUTE. MY DAD WAS THE DRUMMER IN THE COUNTY CLASSICS N I TOO SAT IN WITH THEM. N IT WAS A GOOD TIME!!! THE KANNENBERG FAMILY WILL MISS HIM
Kim and Peggy Kannenberg says
Mark, we are sorry to hear of your parents both passing this year. God willing I will be at the service. Take care.