William A. "Bill" Goettemoeller, 76, Versailles, passed away Sept. 24, 2013, following a lifetime of happiness, work and love.

He was born March 20, 1937, in St. Rose, to Lou and Loretta Wolf Goettemoeller. He was married to Doris A. Kramer for 53 years, and she will miss him dearly.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gary (Pam) Goettemoeller, Versailles, Cheryl (Tony) Campodonico, Studio City, Calif., Joyce (Andrew) Fitzpatrick, Santa Margarita, Calif., Tammy (Kevin) Goodman, Bowling Green, Jennifer (Wade) Kozich, Powell, and Brian (Dru) Goettemoeller, Winchester, Ind.; grandchildren, Chris and Katelyn Goettemoeller, Laurena and Jade Campodonico, Alexandra, Madeleine and Tommy Fitzpatrick, Darin and Emily Goodman, and Spencer Goettemoeller; extended family members, Katie, Sarah and Kelly Kozich; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Irene) Goettemoeller, Bob (Bernice) Goettemoeller, Jim (Carole) Goettemoeller, Jack (Betty) Goettemoeller, Dale (Ag) Goettemoeller; and in-laws, Vern (Julia) Kramer, Gene (Pat) Kramer, Marv Kramer, Lloyd (Sylvia) Kramer, Rene (Luke) Klosterman, Jan (Chuck) Feltz and Diane (Joe) Seger.

He is also preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Lawrence (Laurena) Bergman Kramer, and in-laws, Virgil Kramer and Vernon Kramer. He will be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

He graduated with the "Class of 55" from St. John's (now Marion Local) School in Maria Stein, and attended agriculture courses at Ohio State and Purdue Universities.

His happiest times were with his children and grandchildren. He loved horses, plowing, traveling and tending his apple orchard. He was a strong voice for and supporter of agriculture. He received his pilot's license at the age of 40. He farmed and managed a trucking business for over 50 years. He was an amazing, loving father and his family will miss him greatly.

He was active in the Holy Family Catholic Church, where he served as lecturer and usher; a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, reaching the rank of Fourth Degree Knight; a lifetime member of National Farmers Organization, sitting on the board of directors for 22 years; former secretary of the USAPO Plowing Association; board member of World Plowing Organization; National Plowing Champion in 1967 and 1971; World Plowing Contestant in 1968 in Rhodesia, Africa, and 1972 in the U.S.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30, 2013, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Frenchtown. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Frenchtown.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles.

Memorial donations may be given to State of the Heart Hospice, Holy Family Catholic Church or Versailles Emergency Medical Services.

Condolences may be left at www.zecharbailey.com.