Fortuna to Dedicate Memorial Marquee Honoring Veteran Bill Hummel March 18

A new marquee at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building will carry the name of William "Bill" Hummel, the Navy veteran and community fixture who spent decades placing flags on graves, distributing poppies, and serving alongside Fortuna's volunteer firefighters before his death last April. The City of Fortuna has announced a dedication ceremony for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the building located at 1426 Main Street.

Hummel, born March 10, 1942, in Schaller, Iowa, enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1962 at Des Moines. After completing recruit training in San Diego, he served aboard three vessels: the USS Ernest G. Small, USS Lenawee, and USS Eldorado. His service took him throughout the Western Pacific, including deployments to Vietnam during active conflict. He held the rating of Second-Class Electrician's Mate and received an honorable discharge in 1966.

He died April 3, 2025, at his home at age 83. His obituary described him as "a beloved husband, brother, veteran, business owner, and dedicated community member" who "passed away unexpectedly."

After his discharge, Hummel became one of Fortuna's quieter but more constant presences. He served five years with the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department and was known among local veterans for work that resisted easy accounting. His obituary, submitted by his family, captured the scope plainly: "Bill was known for his quiet but constant service, placing flags on veterans' graves, setting up community dinners, distributing poppies, and raising the American flag with reverence. He was the hardest-working veteran they had ever known."

His family held a celebration of his life April 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the same Veterans Memorial Building where his name will now be permanently displayed. He is survived by his wife, Cee Cee Hummel; son John and his wife Debbie; daughter Sherry; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother Lloyd Hummel; sister Mary Ann Bishop; and nieces Wendy and Lisa Hummel.

The announcement of the March 18 dedication did not include a start time, a list of speakers, or details about who organized and funded the marquee. The inscription text has not been made public. The Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building sits at 1426 Main Street.