William Charles Willer

He met and married Sharon Bogielski, and together they built a loving home in Chesterton, Indiana, raising their two children, Shannon Rae and Derek Paul, whom he fiercely loved and proudly supported in every endeavor. Saturday mornings were sacred - Bill would prepare a big bowl of popcorn, and he and Shannon would sit side by side watching American Bandstand and Soul Train, creating memories that would last a lifetime. An avid cyclist, Bill shared his passion with Shannon, even riding the Hilly Hundred with her when she was just seven years old. He was a constant presence at his children’s events -cheering at Shannon’s orchestra concerts and cheerleading performances, and proudly attending Derek’s baseball and basketball games.

Family vacations were a cherished tradition. Each year they traveled to Bemidji, Minnesota, where Bill found peace fishing on the lake. They also made joyful trips to Kings Island, where Bill discovered and declared his love for the greatest wooden roller coaster of all time, “The Beast.”

Bill loved visiting Chicago and everything the city had to offer - the museums, zoos, Bozo hot dogs, deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, and the magical Christmas decorations on State Street. Above all, he was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was absolutely ecstatic when the Cubs finally won the World Series, a victory he had waited a lifetime to celebrate.

Later in life, Bill met Rosemary Weeks while they both worked as respiratory therapists. They married and shared 35 wonderful years together filled with adventure and devotion. They enjoyed skiing, sailing on their boat Champagne Morning, horseback riding, watching birds and deer from their deck, and opening their hearts and home to rescue Great Danes. Together they created a horseback riding program for individuals with special needs, combining their compassion with their love of horses. In the winter, they relaxed by the fireplace that Bill masterfully kept burning. A passionate cook, Bill delighted in preparing multi-course meals for friends and family. However, cinnamon rolls were his one culinary defeat - he burned them every time.

Bill was overjoyed to become a grandfather to Owen Charles and Teia ChunHong. He loved hearing about their accomplishments and was especially proud to watch Teia - whom he lovingly nicknamed “Teia Tiger” - graduate from SCAD. His pride in his grandchildren was boundless.

Bill will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Rosemary; his daughter Shannon (Rich Gore) and granddaughter Teia; his son Derek (Heather) and grandson Owen; his sister Georgia (Dieter) Goess; his rescue pup Azza; and many dear friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and William Willer, and his sister, Linda Boswinkle.

In remembrance of Bill, take a walk in nature and enjoy the birds and wildlife. Ride a wooden roller coaster. Raise an Old Style to the Cubs. Have some Chicago-style pizza. Try something new. And always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.