Another soldier gone too soon….
Billy Lee Hunziker, 70, Holiday, Florida
Billy was born to Dorothy (Johnson) and Carl W. Hunziker
on May 6,1949 in Decatur, Indiana
Bill was the oldest of 6 children
Richard ( Karen) Hunziker, Willshire, Ohio
Rex ( Jean) Hunziker, North Webster, Indiana
Toby ( Ken) Biddle, Barbee Lake, Indiana
Jeff Hunziker, Honolulu, Hawaii
and Anthony ( Sonia) Hunziker Chapman Lake, Indiana
Bill served in the 11th Armored Calvary as a Huey Helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
Although a very humble man, his daughters discovered he had been given multiple awards, medals,
several letters from the president and brigadier generals to congratulate and recognize his heroism,
bravery, strength, courage, and valor and for his soldierly conduct and tenacity.
When asked about all of these he humbly and simply stated “I didn’t do anything different than any of my
brothers in arms wouldn’t have done!”
Proof of all these attributes were proven over and over again until his last breath.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Bill met his 1st wife, Irene Byrd and she brought 5 children into his life,
which he loved as his own. Billy Steven, Diana Sue, Eva Darlene, David Glen, and Dennis Wayne.
Shortly after getting married they had 2 daughters of their own Krista (Michael) Jones, Wawaka, Indiana
and Sandy (Ryan) Beck, Goshen, Indiana.
Life Changed and later Bill met Theresa (Bender) and they married to which she brought 2 more children
into his life who were loved dearly, Justine Handshew, and Thomas Bender.
Bill has 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.
Bill was also a very active member of the American Legion, VFW and many more.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, August 25th at Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse, Indiana
from 12-2 pm for visitation and celebration of life will take place at 2pm. A dinner will follow which will be
kindly provided by the Eagles in Syracuse, Indiana.
