William J. Willistein

William J. Willistein, Jr., 85, of Bethlehem, PA passed away October 11, 2009 at the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's. He was born on January 12, 1924to the late William and Edna Willistein. William served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a gunner on a Grumman Avenger Torpedo Bomber receiving a Victory Metal-NRSS. Later in his military career, he performed aircraft safety testing and was called back to serve in the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, he worked at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in the real estate division of the law department. Upon retirement from the steel, he worked with his late wife, Greta Roberts Willistein in her outreach ministry until her death in 1993. In 1998, Bill married Virginia Bader Willistein.

Bill was known for his quick wit, wry sense of humor and cracker-jack card playing. But, he will be most remembered for his faith and Godly example. His daily prayers and petitions on behalf each of his family members will be sorely missed. Bill was a member of Living Waters Fellowship in Nazareth, PA.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia, sister, Ethel Hayes of Fort Bragg, CA, step children, Steven Robbins of Bethlehem, PA, Pamela Fink of Whitehall, PA and Janet Blum of Brodbecks, PA as well as his 8 step grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Rebecca, Nathan, Rachel, Hannah, Brian and Katie and his 3 nieces: Shelly Ladd, Erin Harris and Amanda Lesko all of Northampton, PA.