1924 – 2025
William Harold Willhelm (100) of Campbellsville, Kentucky, was born in Mena, Arkansas, on September 17, 1924, to Fred and Bertha (Miller) Willhelm. He departed this life on January 29, 2025, at the Taylor Regional Hospital.
Harold was born into a Church of God (Seventh Day) family, and he retained the faith instilled in him as a young child until his passing. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served his country honorably in the Pacific Theater during WWII. His faith and religious beliefs wouldn’t allow him to handle firearms or ammunition, so his love for his fellow Americans was manifested through his care and compassion of the sick and wounded as a TEC 5 medical technician. It was a proud moment one day when he was allowed to draw the blood of General Douglas MacArthur. Harold became a proud member of the VFW Post 10736 in Denver, Colorado.
A man of many talents, Harold was hired at Montgomery Ward after the war, and he worked there over 36 years as an electrical technician. He was a noted instrumentalist, especially on the piano and violin, and will be long remembered as a genuine “MacGyver” due to his fix-it nature.
Harold was a loyal husband to Thelma Dell (Harris) Willhelm, who preceded him in death in 2020. But his true passion was his devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All who knew him, from a young boy to an aged man, were familiar with his love for the Bible and all its treasures.
Harold spent many a decade laying up his retirement where moths and rust cannot corrupt, nor where thieves can break in and steal. May he now enjoy the fruits of his labor for all eternity.
Harold leaves the following to cherish his memory: two children, Virginia Uhlir of Wisconsin and Lawanna Abell of Campbellsville; four grandchildren (Willie Abell, Manda Kelly, Jeff (Danielle) Uhlir, and Cheryl (Jim) Westfall; a brother, Glenn Willhelm of California; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Besides his wife, Harold is preceded in death by three siblings: Dale Willhelm, Frieda Howland, and David Willhelm.
