Christian Biography of William L. Statz

William Lee Statz, the son of William and Hazel (Adamson) Statz, was born on June 12, 1937 on a farm north of Nelson, Nebraska. He passed away on July 11, 2017 at the Parkview Haven Nursing Home at Deshler, Nebraska at the age of 80 years.

Bill graduated from Nelson High School, and then entered the United States Air Force. He began his Federal career in 1956 as an Electronic Technician, serving 6 years in the military. Upon leaving the Air Force, he began a missile system career in 1961, working with Douglas Aircraft Corp and General Dynamics Corp on the Atlas ICBM and the Saturn IVB Apollo system before returning to Federal service at the Polaris Missile Facility at Charleston, South Carolina as an inspector quality control in September 1964.

Here he began a career of service at the Missile Guidance System test area. Processing A1, A2, A3, C3 and C4 Guidance system for Fleet Deployment. His career period has spanned every generation of F.B.M.system processed at Pomflant, from A1 Polaris through C4 Trident.

He received the Navy Unit Commendation Award in 1979 and 1990 and Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1985.

Upon retirement from Federal Service, Bill returned to Nelson and did remodeling work on homes in the area, built cabinets, furniture and his hobby included farming on his farm north of Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers Wendell and Raymund and his sister Doris.

He is survived by his 3 children Wendy Statz Shaw and family; Bill Statz Jr. and family; and Lori Ann Statz; his sisters Elizabeth Woodside of Cozad, Nebraska; Irene Hafen of Scottsdale, Arizona and Helen Sloan of Bloomfield, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 10:30 AM from the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Superior, Nebraska with Pastor David Johnson officiating.

Music was "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" with Carlita Price as the organist and Ruth Watts as the soloist.

Visitation was held on Monday July 17 ^th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Megrue-Price Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Chris McClure, Curtis Schiermeyer, Josh Jacobitz, Terri Jacobitz, Bruce Chapman and Donald Williams.

Private family inurnment in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to American Cancer Society

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.