Gerald W. "Bill" Schmersal
Kalida -- Gerald W. "Bill" Schmersal, 94, of Kalida died 1:47 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2014 at the Meadows of Kalida.  He was born April 26, 1919 in Greensburg Twp, Putnam County to the late Joseph and Adeline (Ruen) Schmersal.  On January 24, 1940 he married Helen Kuhlman, who died May 28, 1991.  He then married Marie Korte on August 21, 1992, she survives at the Meadows of Kalida.
His is also survived by 11 children:  Patricia Dallal of Worthington, Gene (Nancy) Schmersal, Tom (Diane) Schmersal, Bob (Mary Jo) Schmersal, Paul (Carolyn) Schmersal, Kevin(Beverly) Schmersal, all of Kalida, Chuck (Robbin) Schmersal and Lisa (Leroy) Schroeder of Ottawa, Cindi (Jay) Harden of Cygnet, Syvilla (John) Nick of Bradenton, FL and Mary (Bob) Sherman of Clearwater, FL;  1 son-in-law:  Steve Stechschulte of Kalida;  7 Step-children:  Alice (Dan) Hall, Phyllis (Tim) Hunt, Arlene (Alan) Stover, Ron (Carol) Korte, Jane Williams; Virginia Thompson and Bob (Theresa) Korte; 38 Grandchildren; 17 Step-grandchildren; 52Great-grandchildren with 4 more on the way; 11 Step Great-grandchildren; 1 Great-great-grandchild; and 2 Step Great-great-grandchildren.
Bill is preceded in death by his daughter: Geraldine "Gerri" Stechschulte; 1 Son-in-law:  Elie Dallal; 1 Step Son-in-law:  Sony Williams; 3 Grandchildren:  Carrie Nick, Nicki Davis and Derrick Todd; 1 Great-grandchild:  Emily Kahle; 3 brothers:  Ottie (Della) Schmersal, Mark (Louise) Schmersal, and George (Monica) Schmersal; and 2 sisters:  Marcella (Ben) Stechschulte and Leona (Bert) Maag.
Bill was employed by the Kalida Local Schools as a bus driver and had owned and operated with his first wife Helen's Upholstery.  Bill was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida and had been a custodian for the Parish and a member of its Holy Name Society.  He was a Army veteran of WWII, and had was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion, both in Ottawa.  Bill was a life member of the Kalida Fish and Game Club and a member of Eagles Lodge and Knights of Columbus, both in Columbus Grove.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday , January 9, 2014 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida with Father Mark Hoying officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa VFW and Ottawa American Legion.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa where a Scripture Service will be held at 1:45 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Home Care and Hospice.  Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

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