William “Bill” B. Splichal
May 29, 1924 – May 18, 2024
He was a man who loved family! As he grew up in Lincoln, that meant his mom, Bessie, his father, James, and his 4 siblings who were many years apart, each received quality time with their loving parents.
Bill learned to play the trumpet from his father and grandfather and at the age of 12 was playing in the family band for small dances.
Bill graduated from Lincoln High School and then drafted into the Army at age 18. He spoke of passing by the Statue of Liberty as they were shipping out and wondering if he would make it back to “see that beautiful Lady again”.
Bill joined the Army Band before he left the States and when they reached England, their instruments were stored in London. They became Infantrymen, protecting the generals at the front. He was at the Battle of the Bulge and the Remagen Bridge on the Rhine River.
After Hitler was no longer a threat, he was scheduled to go home when he was chosen to play in the band for General Patton’s funeral.
Bill attended the University of Nebraska where he earned a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Music. He married Mildred Swanson whom he called, “Swanee” and they were married for 66 years and had 5 children, Pamela, Billy, David, Jennifer, and Christyn. Bill has 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In 2016, Bill was married to Doris Clark and added 3 children to his family, Bethany, Amy, Tim, and 2 grandchildren.
Bill had many interests—band music, painting, little theater, square dancing, miniature trains, and people. He loved visiting with friends and family.
Most of all he had a great love for his country and the flag. He continued to salute the flag every time he passed it. His stepson, Tim, has adopted that practice.
He was called back to service in Alaska where he was the Director of the Army Band of Alaska. He reached the rank of CWO4. Bill held several important positions at State Farm Insurance for 48 years with many awards there.
WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, June 3, 2024, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Following the Service, Interment with Military Honors will take place at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.
Bill’s Funeral Service will be livestreamed HERE
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to:
White’s Chapel Methodist Church
185 S White Chapel Blvd.
Southlake, TX 76092
817-481-4147; Diana Hon, Finance Dept.
https://www.whiteschapel.org/give.html
or
Evergreen Life Services– Who takes such good care of his beloved step-son, Tim.
2101 Hwy 80
Haughton, LA 71037
877-243-4021
“Another Lincoln High Job Well Done.”
dearest Pam and family, Not only was your dad my dad‘s first agent hired back in the 50s to start the Lincoln district. Your folks were very special to mine and when my job at State Farm took me to California of course I let them know I was in their hood. That’s all it took. I came out to visit and they also open their home to Ed & I when my brother David got married. My son, Cliff witnessed Bill conducting the band in a park in Omaha last summer. So very special. We were in Wyoming camping as we will be next week also, hate to miss his service here in Lincoln. Blessings to all you had amazing parents! I will never forget you, Pam as you babysit me during the 50s and maybe even 60s during our husker football games. Take care and look me up anytime you’re back in Lincoln. Hugs & Prayers.
Ed & Pamela (Orcutt) Trehearn
Our love & prayers to Doris, Tim, the girls & Bill’s family! We only got to be with him a few times, but SUCH A GREAT MAN!
Rest in Peace Bill. I have known the Splichal family for over 50 years through Bill and Swanee’s son David. I have flowers from Swanee’s family farm north of Omaha. Bill was most proud of his time with the National Guard Band. I remember him leading the band a few years back at Antelope Park!
I’m trying to remember all the connections but Bill and my Dad, Frank Marsh, were lifelong friends. Both graduated from Lincoln High, both drafted, both played brass instruments in the army band. Both guarding generals, at the Remagen bridge, both graduates of UNL (on the G I bill?) and had a huge respect for our country and flag. Now I know why we had State Farm insurance for all those years!
Love and respect to your family!
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to the Splichal family. Thank you Bill and Swanee for a lifetime of friendship since 1934.
The family of Bob and Evelyn Baker
My condolences to Mr. Splichal’s family. I was a member of the 43rd Army Band, but never had the pleasure of serving with him, but the legacy he left with the band still carries through it today with the band’s proud tradition of excellence and honor.
I have known the the Splichal family for over 50 years through Bill and Swanee’s son David. I have perennial flowers from the family farm north of Omaha.
I remember Bill directing the National Guard Band a few years ago at Lincoln’s Antelope park band shelter. Rest in Peace Bill.