Paul A. Bille, 100, of Luck, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the United Pioneer Home. He was born June 25, 1923, in Mercer, North Dakota, to parents Jens and Sarah Bille. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran in Mercer. Paul's mother died from breast cancer in 1932. In 1939, Paul moved to Luck with his father, Jens, and older brother, Vernon. Paul graduated from Luck High School in 1943, after which he worked on a farm for Thorvald Sorensen until December of 1944 when he enlisted in the Navy. Paul was a seaman first class in the Navy and trained to be a gunner on a TBM (torpedo bomber). While stationed in Miami, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier and was on a search mission to find the lost squadron in the Bermuda Triangle. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Paul married Joyce Sorensen on May 28, 1950, and to this union they welcomed three children. They spent 73 wonderful years together. Paul began beef farming early in their marriage and continued until he was in his early 90s. His main careers were working at Duncan Yo-Yo for 17 years and at the Polk County Highway Department for 23 years, from which he retired. He was an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in North Luck serving on the board numerous times. Paul was also an active member of the American Legion for over 70 years, marching in parades and participating in military funeral services. He never missed attending a Memorial Day Service.
Paul was a kind, hardworking, loving and faithful man with a great sense of humor. He lived his life for his family. Never having much, he always made sure to take the family on summer vacations going back to North Dakota, and to Colorado, California and Montana, visiting extended family, experiencing the Pacific Ocean and visiting many national parks.
As his family continued to grow, family traditions included corn roasts from his famous sweet corn patch, playing cards together, making homemade ice cream and going for hayrides on the family farm.
Paul was the rock that spoke often of his love for his wife, Joyce. His love for God and our entire family has made all of us who we are today.
Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce of Luck; son, Kevin (Dawn) Bille of Luck; daughters, Karla (Jerry) Donohue of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Kari (Greg) Letch of Frederic, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah) Bille, JJ (Putt) Bille, Jake (Brooke) Larson, Jamie (Akhil) Mehra, Daniel (Bethanie) Letch and Derek, (Brianna) Letch; three step-grandchildren, Maia (Katie) Donohue, Sean (Sara) Donohue and Megan (Andy) Kitson; 19 great-grandchildren; and beloved sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Florence, Agnes and Clara; brother, Vernon; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and other beloved family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the United Pioneer Home and Hospice for their loving care. Thank you to Rowe Funeral Home for their help and their assistance during this difficult time.
Memorials are preferred to St. Peter's Lutheran Church and St. Peter's Cemetery.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 28, at 2 p.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Luck.
Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.
