William H. Beissel Jr.

William H. Beissel, Jr., 78, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Reading Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Nancy Elaine (Yeager) Beissel, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late William H. Beissel, Sr. and Mabel Ruth Beissel. Bill was a hardworking man who spent four decades as a foundry worker, working for Empire Steel and Hamburg Manufacturing. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family throughout his many years of employment. Bill was a dedicated employee and earned perfect attendance awards at Empire Steel for many years.

Above all, Bill was devoted to his family. He and Nancy built their life together around the people they loved, and he always cherished spending time with their family and friends.

Bill enjoyed making and selling sandwiches for the Central Berks Fire Company's fundraiser. He volunteered his time making and selling sandwiches there for many years and continued to do so after Nancy's passing. The fire company held a special place in both Bill and Nancy's lives, and he remained committed to supporting the organization and the community they cared about.

One of Bill's favorite things to do was to cut grass and maintain the yard and house. Bill often cut grass multiple times a week. Many people complimented his yard and said it reminded them of a golf course. Bill enjoyed cutting grass so much, that he helped neighbors cut their grass.

Another hobby of Bill's was going on Facebook Marketplace and yard sales. He often enjoyed looking at the merchandise offered and getting a good deal. Bill loved NASCAR racing. Many Sundays he enjoyed watching the races and cheering on the Chevy drivers. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan.

In his younger days, he loved going to the races at the Reading Fairgrounds with his brothers and nephews. In the summer months, he often attended races at Big Diamond, Maple Grove, and other local race tracks. He loved old cars and hearing the roar of the big block Chevy. He often attended car shows and was in several parades with his 1937 Chevy Coupe. His car won the first Junior and Senior AACA awards. Bill loved working on cars and fixing things.

On Friday nights, Bill enjoyed watching high school football at Schuylkill Valley or Hamburg. His favorite professional football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bill also loved watching baseball and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

He is survived by his son, William H. Beissel III, husband of Wendy; daughter, Karen Raugh, wife of Andrew; grandchildren, Megan Beissel, Brittany Emmel, wife of Thayer, and Derek Anderson, partner of Tommy Malek; and great-grandchildren, Dominic and Forrest.

In addition to his beloved wife, Nancy, and his parents, Bill was predeceased by brothers, Ronald, Kenneth, Paul, and Robert; and sisters, Sarah Yoder, Janice Hoffert, and Florence Reinhart.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Bridge Church. The family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00 until the time of the service. Bill and Nancy will be laid to rest at Berks County Memorial Gardens at the convenience of the family.

Bill would want you to feel comfortable so feel free to wear jeans, your favorite sporting apparel, or Chevy attire to his Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Bill's memory to the Central Berks Fire Company, 111 Callow Hill Rd, Centerport, PA 19516 or the Steven Yeager Swimming Scholarship at the Berks County Community Foundation, 237 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601.

Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 40 S 4th St, Hamburg, PA 19526 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be recorded at kuhnfuneralhomes.com