Arden William Bloedel

Bloedel, Arden William Henry (Bill), 89, beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014. His wife of 68 years, Sue, and family were at his bedside. Rosary Service, 7 p.m., Monday at St. Mary Faith Center, 2300 E. Meadowlark, Derby; Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Tuesday at St. Mary Faith Center, Derby; burial at Calvary Cemetery, Wichita, immediately following the Mass. Bill was born May 28, 1924 in Portage County, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mabel Bloedel, and brother Lawrence Bloedel. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Bloedel; daughter Carol Hornung (Bill); son Bill Bloedel, Jr. (Elin); daughter Katie Alcala (Joe); grandchildren, Bob Hornung (Hannah), Andy Hornung (Colleen), Matt Hornung (Megan), Penny Bloedel Derochick (Dave), Carrie Helmer (Ryan), Patrick Bloedel, Molly Jones (Derik); Holly Arnold (Branden); Monique Alcala; and 18 great-grandchildren. Bill attended elementary and high school in Wisconsin. Then, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country in WWII. He and Sue met and married in Amarillo, Texas, and subsequently moved to Wichita, where he graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Bill worked for Cessna as an engineer and a pilot for 35 years. After retiring from Cessna, he then worked at Boeing and retired again at age 73. Bill and Sue volunteered at St. Mary’s Church, Venture House and KETCH. They retired from volunteering when Bill was 88. Bill was happiest driving his tractor, building airplanes with Bill, Jr., cutting down trees on his land and loving on his grand (and great!) babies. He is flying now…