William N. Rael Sr.

William N. Rael Sr. Age 66, of Santa Fe, NM passed away December 11, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. William was born on December 28, 1943 in Costilla, NM to Francisco and Dolores Rael. He married his loving wife Josie on September 08, 1970.

He was proceeded in death by his, parents, Francisco and Dolores Rael, brother, Joseph, sister, Alice, nephew, Mark Anthony, and brother-in-law, John Wade. He is survived by his wife Josie; son William Jr. (Melissa); daughters Janet (Lawrence), and Janelle all of Santa Fe, NM. Grandchildren Dominic Jr., Danielle, William F., Janessa, Elijah, Daniel, Jayleen, Erianna, and Makayla. Siblings, sister, Frances Wade, brother, Lawrence (Helen), and sister Margaret Hink (Frank) and other numerous relatives whom he loved.

He is a veteran of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade of the U.S. Army. He served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. He received numerous awards including the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was Honorably Discharged in 1968 as a Sergeant. William was the President of the Vietnam Veterans of Northern New Mexico, the Commander of the MOPH Chapter 372 and lifetime member of the VFW. He retired from state government in 1992.

A Rosary was recited on December 19, 2010 at the Rosario Chapel. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on December 20, 2010 at Santa Maria De La Paz. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Dominic, Ken, and Keith Martinez, Danielle, William, Lee, and Evartisto Rael and Frank Hink. Honorary Pallbearers: Lawrence, Daniel and Makayla Rael, Janessa and Jayleen Dominguez, Lawrence, Elijah, and Erianna Sisneros, and Jimmy Martinez.