Wilson Herbert Fieberling

On May 22, 2016, on his 62nd wedding anniversary, Wilson (Bill) Fieberling, 89, passed away surrounded by his family at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. Born in Oakland, California on March 8, 1927, Bill lived in California all his life. Graduating from Oakland High School, he served in the Navy during WWII. He attended UC Berkeley, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Bill spent his entire career in public service, beginning at East Bay MUD, then Cal Trans where he worked on the construction of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge while living in Oakland and building his own house. Here he met his future bride, Audrey Griebel, the "prettiest girl" in his church group who shared his love of sailing and the outdoors. They were married in 1954 and had four children. Bill left Oakland in 1955 to become a young Public Works Director of the growing City of Davis, where he was proud of the drainage system he installed to protect the city during the 1955 flood. In 1958 he became Public Works Director for the City of Roseville before coming to the same position for the City of Santa Cruz in 1962. Here his accomplishments included: expanding the Wastewater Treatment Plant and outfall to comply with the landmark Clean Water Act; the implementation of the downtown Pacific Garden Mall; expansion of city services to the new University of California; and the West Cliff Drive multi-use path (his pride and joy). After retirement, Bill remained involved in public service, serving on the County Transportation Commission and, as a bicycle advocate, worked tirelessly on behalf of the bicycle path through Arana Gulch. He was also passionately involved in finding solutions to the city water shortage problem. Bill and his family shared a deep love of the outdoors and adventure. His children grew up sailing and racing with him on the Santana 22 "Hot Ruddered Bum" and he and Audrey were active members of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. They took their children on countless trips skiing and backpacking in his "gentle Sierra." He played tennis and golf and followed Audrey's lead to become an enthusiastic bicyclist. This passion took them on world-wide adventures where they explored diverse cultures and learned about practical solutions to everyday problems that affect all communities. He was an avid bridge player and kept many dinners with family and friends lively by provoking controversial debate. A humanist, he lived by his beliefs – he was perceptive, kind, and always using his skills to build a better world. Bill was most proud of his family and their accomplishments, and he loved spending time with them. Bill is survived by his wife Audrey; children Karl Fieberling (Kathy) Santa Cruz, Nancy Krage (Gary) Morgan Hill, Eric Fieberling (Trish Brennan) Oakland, Anne Marie Harrison (Todd) Santa Cruz; and adoring grandchildren Erin and Emily Fieberling, Kai, Wyatt and Noa Harrison, Megan and Ryan Krage, and Devon Angus. He was preceded in death by his parents George Fieberling and Myrtle Wilson, and his sister Lois Castor. Family and friends are invited to gather in his honor at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club on Sunday, June 12 from 11 am to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to www.pacificgardenschapel.com