William Delbert Hoel was born on May 19, 1911 to Alvah and Adaline Maffett Hoel. He was born in Sheridan Michigan. Delbert, as he was known, was Carl’s (Walt’s dad) cousin.

Delbert was one of six children born to Alvah and Addy. He grew up in Michigan. In 1930, at the age of 19, he was living with his cousin, Edward Gray, in Howell, Michigan, working as an assembler for an electric motor company, Howell Electric. You can read more about the company here.

On August 24, 1934, he married Mozelle Ryckman in Howell. I found this marriage record for them.

In 1940, they were still living in Howell, and their first child had been born. Delbert and Mozelle’s second child was born about three months after the census was taken.

Delbert entered served in the Air Force in World War II. I found his draft card while doing some research.

Delbert and Mozelle had 5 children. In 1950, he was working as an assembler for an automobile company in Marion, Michigan. This 1950 census shows the children, with the youngest, Carol, being less than a year old. It also says that he made $3897 for his work in 1949.

After retirement as a carpenter for General Motors, Delbert and Mozelle moved to Chandler, Arizona. Delbert Hoel died there on April 25, 1995.