By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Willis “Bill” John Tielbar Jr.
Bill Tielbar
Willis "Bill" J. Tielbar

Willis “Bill” John Tielbar Jr., 87, of Guttenberg, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, while holding hands with the love of his life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, from 12-2 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, with a luncheon and private burial to follow.

Bill was born on Nov. 28, 1938, to Willis John Sr. and Evelyn (Katschkowsky) Tielbar, and was raised in Farmersburg. The day after graduating from MFL high school with the Class of 1957, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving for three years before being honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1960. After his military service, Bill volunteered as an EMT, serving the MFL and Guttenberg areas. While spending time with friends, he met the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Kay Schriver. The two married on Jan. 18, 1964, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmersburg. Together, they nurtured and raised three remarkable children in the Farmersburg and Guttenberg community. They settled on a hillside overlooking the Mississippi and continued to shape and build their lives together. Bill worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for many years before retiring. He cherished his retirement years, enjoying life alongside his beloved wife, Sandra, and the family they built together.

Bill was the very definition of a devoted husband, loving father, incredible grandfather, and amazing great-grandfather. He loved to hunt and ice-fish, especially when he could share those experiences with his children and grandchildren. The “Ranch,” as he called it, became a peaceful retreat where his grandchildren could enjoy riding on the back of the four-wheeler and exploring the great outdoors. He also enjoyed watching football and proudly cheering on his favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Marine Corps Association, the Mail Carrier Association, and AMVETS. He was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg and faithfully attended St. John’s Bible Study. Bill was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he developed a close friendship with Bill W. for 53 years.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; children, Cindy (Al) Bitter of Milwaukee, Wis., Dan Tielbar of Guttenberg, and Rev. David (Cathie) Tielbar of Guttenberg; grandchildren, Rachel (Mike) Wisniewski, Zach (Nicole) Bitter, Bethany (Nate) Weiss, Naomi (Josiah) Vogt, Katie (Nathan) Grundmeier, Matt (Holly) Tielbar, Nick Tielbar, Alex (Brooke) Tielbar, Ellie Tielbar, and Kenzie, Will, and Sam Tielbar; great-grandchildren, Jason and Jonah Wisniewski, Cora, Adelaide, and Logan Weiss, Ben Vogt, Rohnan, Harrison, Nova Tielbar, Lyanna and Keaton Tielbar.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents; in-laws, Guy and June Schriver; and his brother, Roger (Mary) Tielbar.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michele Dikkers, St. Croix Hospice, Guttenberg Care Center, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, and Rev. Mike Ashman for all the help and compassionate care that was given to Bill.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) assisted the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.