William "Bill" Wermer, 96, of Celina, Ohio, formerly of Van Wert, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Miller Place in Celina.

He was born June 29, 1924, in Van Wert to the late Grace (Hawkins) and William Wermer. On December 14, 1947 he married the former Fern Ray who preceded him in death on February 16, 2015. They built their lives together and were married for 67 years. Together they traveled to 49 of the 50 United States.

Bill is survived by his two children, Alan (Nancy) Wermer of Saline, Michigan and Elizabeth (Richard) Heiby of Celina; three grandchildren, Ellyse (Brian) Sites, Alex (Staci) Heiby, and Andrew Heiby; three great-grandchildren, Carson Sites and Owen and Elliott Heiby; sisters, Mary (Don) Honsberger and Martha (Jim) Clark; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Wermer.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Isabelle (Karl) Schumm; and brothers, Paul (Gladys) Wermer, John (Pauline) Wermer, David (Kay) Wermer, Norman Wermer and Karl Wermer.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in World War II from 1943-1946. After serving his country, Bill became a brick mason, owning his own business in Celina for many years. He bricked many homes in the area, as well as building fireplaces and tiling floors. In 1978, he and Fern moved to Van Wert. Bill worked mostly commercial projects, including Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, Ohio.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. Bill always enjoyed sports and being outdoors. When he finally "retired" he volunteered and continued creative projects for family and friends, including many woodworking projects.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 13, 2020 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert with Pastor Jeffery Gramza officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, with military honors performed by the Van Wert American Legion and V.F.W. honor guard.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral services Monday at the funeral home.

Although family and friends are invited to attend Bill's visitation and funeral, we continue to be cautious and concerned for those who are most vulnerable, the elderly and those with serious health issues. We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and respect the well-being of the members of Bill's family and friends who are at risk. Attendees are asked to observe social distancing, refrain from close physical contact, and wear facial coverings as able.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the heroes at work at Miller Place Senior Center Employee Fund, 1506 Meadowview Drive, Celina, Ohio 45822.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bob Schumm, Phil Wermer, Don Honsberger, Brian Sites, Alex Heiby, and Andy Heiby.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.