William "Bill" Meyers

OTTAWA - William "Bill" Meyers, 93, passed away peacefully in Montana on November 25, 2023. Bill was born in Indiana as his parents were traveling East during the Great Depression.  Due to hardships, his brother, John (deceased), his sister Mary (survives) and himself were all placed in St. Anthony's Catholic Orphanage in Toledo.  Though life was tough, he never complained and often said he was thankful for the character qualities he learned in the orphanage.  His foster parents, Aloy and Alice Gengler and their son Richard (all deceased) became his family and treated him kindly.

Bill joined the Army in 1949 and fought in the Korean War, where he proudly served his country.  He was wounded in a battle prior to the push toward the Chinese border where his unit lost their colors.  Due to his war injuries, Bill was awarded the Purple Heart.

After the war, he married the love of his life, Angela Wrasman.  They were side by side for 65 years until her passing in 2018.  Bill and Angela had seven children, all surviving: Larry (Caroline) Meyers, Tina (Steve) German, Monica (Mark) Hemingway, Carol Meyers, Nancy Hovest, Rose (Hal) Mandly and Lisa (Tom) Tijerina. Bill was blessed to be a grandfather to sixteen grandchildren, one grandson preceded him in death, and seventeen great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

For over 45 years, Bill was employed by Ex-Cell-O and Ford Motor Company. He was a skilled tradesman and took great pride in his workmanship.

Bill enjoyed gardening, camping, winemaking, and traveling around the world. He and Angela enjoyed cruising to many destinations. Taking cruises really floated his boat.

Bill started his running career in his 50's and received numerous metals and trophies throughout the years. As he got older, he often received a trophy because he was the only runner in his age group.  By the time he was 80, he started swimming more than he ran. He was quite proud of swimming 1000 laps in a month. You could often find Bill and Angela at the Ottawa YMCA and then McDonalds for a chicken sandwich and a senior coffee for lunch.

Bill was an active member in the Ottawa VFW and American Legion.  He often served at military funerals.  His military service was a very important part of his life.

Bill was artistically talented as a carver, painter, crafter and card maker.  He was a picture frame maker and stained-glass artist.  His carvings are too numerous to count and we will never know just how many lives he touched with his creations.  He also enjoyed making caramels and was called "the candy man" by many.

In August of this year, Bill was awarded an honorary high school diploma from Rossford High School in Rossford, Ohio.  The local VA office in Ottawa was instrumental in making this happen.  Bill received his diploma in October during a ceremony in Montana.  He jokingly said "Maybe I should go get a job now that I have a diploma."

Bill was a loving husband, a caring father, an adventurous grandfather (tipping the canoe in Flathead Lake was impressive) and a great-grandfather who loved to play on the floor with his grandchildren. He did not survive life, he thrived in life and was always thankful and very thoughtful. Bill did not know a stranger and was friendly with everyone he met.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2023 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating.  Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Ottawa. Visitation will be held from 2 - 8 p.m. on Sunday and one hour prior to the mass Monday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa. There will be a military service at 7 p.m. on Sunday with a Forever Salute given.

The family would like to thank Putnam County Homecare and Hospice and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice in Montana for the kindness and professionalism shown by their organizations and staff. The family would also like to express our appreciation for the visits to our Dad prior to his death.  You brightened his days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or the YMCA in Ottawa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Putnam County Homecare and Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875
Tel: 1-419-523-4449
Web: http://www.pchh.net

Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church: Parish Center Fund
Ottawa OH 45875

Putnam County YMCA
101 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa OH 45875