Father of Harvard woman
E. William (Bill) Kaegebein, 85, of Lakeland, Fla., died on July 11. He was the beloved husband of the late Marion (Smith) Kaegebein and is survived by his devoted daughters Kay Steeves and her husband Richard of Acton, Debbie Kaegebein and her husband Dennis Bradley of Harvard, and Becky Croke and her husband Michael of Sylvania, Ohio. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeff (and wife Karen) and Adam Steeves, Collyn and Corey Bradley, and Jeremy (and fiancée Alina Gorniak), Kevin, and Brandon Croke.
Bill was born on Grand Island, N.Y., son of William M. and Dora Kraatz Kaegebein. He graduated from Cornell University and served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He married Marion Smith in 1947, and during their marriage they lived in New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia, and after retirement traveled for several years in their motor home before settling in Florida in 1991.
Bill’s career was in agricultural chemical sales, working primarily for FMC Corporation. Wherever they lived he was involved in church and community activities. In Lakeland he was active in First United Methodist Church and a volunteer for Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Carpenters Estates Resident Association.
A memorial service in celebration of his life was held in Lakeland, Fla. Donations in his memory can be made to Lakeland Habitat For Humanity,1317 George Jenkins Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815 (www.lakelandhabitat.org) or to a charity of one’s choice.
