Merle “Bill” Lohrberg Jr., age 77 of Wyoming, died Feb. 9, at his home.

He was best known as Papa Bill by those who loved him, and as a stellar joke-teller.

Bill served his country as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, a Maverick, in Vietnam. He flew with the 13th Combat Aviation Battalion, 175th Aviation Company, nearly losing his life while saving others. Among the medals he earned were the Purple Heart for injuries suffered when his chopper was shot down; The Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat; The Army Commendation Medal; and The Air Medal for Heroism.

Bill was honorably discharged in 1968, then re-enlisted before his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in 1974. He was proud to march in the funeral procession for former President Harry S. Truman.

He retired from General Motors in 2009 from the GM stamping plant in Wyoming. He loved gardening, especially growing his “Papa’s German Pink Heirloom Tomatoes,” watching NASCAR, hunting, fishing with his wife and grandkids, teasing his grandkids and the neighborhood kids. He built his own hot-rod, a 1928 Model A.

He is survived by Viola Lohrberg, his wife of 45 years; children Theresa (Bill) Norris, Ken (Vicky) Kolker, Connie (Phill) Merrill, Chris (Darla) Kolker, David (Dawn) Kolker, Tammy (Jim) Stortz, Julie (Rich) Brunson; brother, Jim (Kathleen) Lohrberg, of Wayland; 63 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and cousins. Visitation will take place 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by a funeral at 2 p.m., both at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville.