Willam "Bill" Gaddey

William “Bill” Gaddey, of New Carlisle, IN passed away on September 14, 2023 at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte, IN at the age of 74. He was born on March 27, 1949 in LaPorte, IN to James and Ruth Gaddey.

   At an early age, Bill joined the United States Army and honorably served his country for many years. Throughout his time in the military, he was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea. As a symbol of his excellence during training, he was badged as a drill sergeant and transformed thousands of trainees into combat soldiers. Furthermore, Bill was awarded five bronze stars during his service in recognition of his acts of heroism and meritorious deeds.

He also worked as a truck driver, sheep farmer, and certified blacksmith – a career that was his real dream job. A truly knowledgeable individual, Bill enjoyed learning about history and could speak five different languages: English, Spanish, German, Korean, and Hungarian. In his free time, he enjoyed playing billiards at local pool halls, working on cars, playing guitar, and going for long rides on his motorcycle. Bill genuinely loved spending time with his family and friends, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He will surely be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, brilliant blue eyes, and distinctive cowboy boots.

  Bill is survived by his children, Eddy (Jen) Gaddey of Mishawaka, IN, Willie Gaddey of Mishawaka, IN, James Gaddey Hudson Lake, IN, and Sabrina Gaddey of Mishawaka, IN. As well as his grandchildren, Evan Gaddey, Elijah Gaddey, Madison Michelle Gaddey, MacKenzie Marie Gaddey, Mason Muhammad Gaddey, Morgan Monroe Gaddey, and Anastasia Miller. Additionally, his siblings, Rebecca McLaughlin of Mishawaka, IN, Jamie (Keith “Grumpy”) Burks of Osceola, IN, Bryan (Sandy Martin) Gaddey of South Bend, IN, and Jody (Bob) Cantwell of Blissfield, MI. Also, his stepmom Shirlene Gaddey of Sun City, AZ. Bill was preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth Gaddey, and his siblings Joni Kay Glisinski and Karen Gaddey.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, IN, 46514 where visitation will be from 12-3pm at the funeral home. Bill will be laid to rest at 12:00pm Thursday September 28, 2023 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI, 49012. Online condolences may be made to Bill’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com   

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