William “Bill” Charles Metnik, 68 of Cumberland was called to the woods for the last time without his chainsaw, on March 15th , 2025. After a short battle with cancer.

Born October 15th, 1956, in Chippewa Falls, WI to Frank and Dorothy (Parr) Metnik.

He grew up in Cumberland and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1974. On June 12th, 1976, he married Tonja (Albee) Metnik.

During and after high school he worked with his dad installing furnaces. He went on to be a man of many talents. He was a heavy equipment/big truck mechanic, excavator, truck driver,(over the road and local) and a logger. Logging was in his blood. After he retired from logging, you could find him in the woods on his days off cutting trees for firewood or in his shop fixing or building something. He was very proud of the super sucker that he and a fellow fire fighter built for the Cumberland Fire Department. He was also very proud of the log house he built.

Bill had a rough and gruff exterior. But deep down he was a teddy bear. He was loved by many, liked by a few, disliked by several. But he was respected.

Bill served our community for many years as a fire fighter, fire board member, Town of Lakeland Chairman and Hungry Hollow member.

Bill is survived by wife, Tonja (Albee) Metnik Cumberland; daughter, Billie Jo “BJ” Metnik (Eric Anderson); sister Cindy (Carl) Jaeschke; half-brother Willard “Bill” (June) Metnik, sister in laws, Sandy (John) Peichel; Tammy (Bruce) Hanson; Kathy (Clarence) Bever; brother in laws; Jim (Lynn) Albee; Larry (Joanne) Albee; Donnie Albee (Kari Owens); Tim (Sue) Albee. Many cousins, nieces and nephews on the Metnik side and Albee side, 4 step siblings. And his loyal pups Rip & Teeter.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank & stepmother Nancy Lee Metnik and Dorothy Metnik; brother Frank “Butch” Metnik Jr. and in laws Bob and Shirley Albee.

There will be a celebration of life held at the Hungry Hollow grounds April 12th, 2025, from noon to 4pm. Lunch and beverages will be served.

Last Update: Mar 17, 2025 3:39 pm CDT