WILLIAM “BILL” DEGENKOLB

William “Bill” Degenkolb, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 7, 2025, at his home in Westfield, IN.
He was born on June 18, 1946, in Mingo Junction, OH, the only son of the late Earl “Red” and Kathleen L. (Van Allen) Degenkolb.
A 1964 graduate of Mingo High School, Bill went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1969. He began his teaching career shortly after, joining the Indian Creek School District. For 30 years, he served as the assistant marching band director and taught general music and choir, shaping the lives of countless students. His dedication to music education earned him the respect and admiration of many, with some of his former students dedicating performances and concerts to honor his influence. Under Bill’s leadership, the Indian Creek bands consistently earned superior ratings at national competitions, and the band’s exceptional reputation spread across the country.
After retiring in 2001, Bill founded the “Woodwind Work- shop,” specializing in marching band instrument repair. He successfully ran business- es in both the Ohio Valley and Las Vegas, Nevada, where he lived from 2008 to 2014. In 2014, Bill moved to Westfield, Indiana, to be closer to his family. There, he continued his passion for teaching, offering private lessons to students at Westfield Intermediate School, and even taught his grand- children. Bill remained dedicated to his craft, teaching up until the week of his passing.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Ann (Zinsser) Degenkolb, whom he had known since she was a young girl and he taught in his third-grade Sunday school class at Harmony Methodist Church. Bill’s love for Mary Ann was evident throughout their entire marriage, and she was by his side until the very end. He is also survived by two sons: Dr. Christopher (Dr. Kerri) Degenkolb of Westfield, IN, and Bradford Degenkolb of Wintersville, OH. Bill was a proud and devoted “Papa” to his two grandchildren, Matthew (13) and Anneliese (12), both of Westfield, IN.
Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Avenue, Mingo Junction, OH on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of his funeral service at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Fort Steuben Burial Estates in Wintersville, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Indian Creek Band Boosters, P.O. Box 2036, Wintersville, OH 43953.
Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneral homes.com.