William “Bill” M. Riesterer, age 73, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025 unexpectedly at his home.
He was born July 18, 1952 in Manitowoc, son of the late Steve and Mae (Schneider) Riesterer. Bill attended St. Gregory School in St. Nazianz and graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1970. On June 8, 1974 he married Sue Halverson at Faith Lutheran Church. He was a certified Law Enforcement Officer since 1975 and retired as Police Chief from the Village of Valders Police Department in 2016. Bill was also self-employed as an Agent, Associate Manager, and Agency Manager of five counties with Rural Mutual Insurance, Madison. He also served on the Valders Ambulance as an EMT/D/I for 21 ½ years.
Bill served on many different boards throughout his life. He served on Valders Area School District board for 12 years, nine of which as president. He also serviced on the Wisconsin Juvenile Officers Association Board of Directors as president for two years and as executive director for a year. He also serviced on Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, as well as treasurer and secretary of the Manitowoc County Life Underwriters Association. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church of Valders, where he recently served as the church council president for two one-year terms and assisted with the church’s A/V equipment. He enjoyed woodworking and working on his special projects. Above all, he loved his family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of over 50 years: Sue Riesterer; his son: Jason (Beth) Riesterer and their children: Brynn and Brant; his daughter: Kristin (Chris) Thomas and their children: Anthony, Cole, and Max; his faithful companion: Misty; his brother: Randy (Debbie) Riesterer; his sister: Laura (Mark) Preston; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jerry (Laurie) Halverson, Dick (Sandy) Halverson, and Betsy (Bill) Salm. Bill was very close with his extended family, and is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, especially his close friend Cliff. He was preceded in death by his parents: Steve and Mae Riesterer; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Dorothy and Lester Halverson; and his brother: Tom Riesterer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church, 255 Roosevelt Street, Valders. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Dan Lyman. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest at Gjerpen Cemetery, Manitowoc. A time for fellowship will be held at the church following the burial.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church, Valders.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations will be given to the Faith Lutheran Church Camera Recording Equipment fund, which Bill was passionate about.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to their family, friends and the community for all of your support.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
