Obituary of Wilfred Joseph Hebl

Wilfred J. “Willy” Hebl, 72 of Iowa City died Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City surrounded by his family. A time of gathering for family and friends to remember Willy will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2011, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. A memorial fund has been established in Willy’s memory, and online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Wilfred Joseph Hebl was born August 30, 1938, in Iowa City the son of Joseph S. and Kathryn M. (Aubrecht) Hebl. He graduated from University High School (U High) in 1957. Willy enlisted in the Army Reserves after high school. As a lifetime resident of Iowa City area, he worked for many years as an independent insurance agent. Willy enjoyed life, his two daughters were his world when they were growing up, he took great pride in raising them as their mom & dad! And as grandchildren came along, he was the Gramdpa front and center in all their activities, giving each of them his own special nickname! In high school Willy played in the band, “Country Playboys” this love of music continued throughout his life. Willy also had a gift for writing, one that he enhanced as a member of the Iowa Writer’s workshop. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends, playing cards, shooting pool, golfing, and was a regular at the T & M Mini Mart near his home where he could “shoot the bull” with more of his friends. His family includes his two daughters and their husbands, Elisha & Mike Hamm of Iowa City, and Raquel and Max Jones of West Branch, grandchildren, Joey, Katie, Andy, Brenton, Rita, Chandler, and Shuwana; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Shawn, and Joel; his mother, Kathryn Hebl of Iowa City; his brother and wife, Paul and Diane Hebl of Iowa City; and a nephew, Todd Hebl. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph and a grandson, Ron.