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Goertemiller, William Frank (Bill) was born January 13, 1944 and passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 11, 2020.  

If you know him, you know he lived his dash (the years in between) to the fullest. 

He was raised in Hamilton, Ohio, by his adoptive parents Frank and Suzanne Goertemiller.

They thought they couldn’t have children, but once they adopted Bill they ended up having children and giving him two brothers and a sister. 

As a young man Bill attended UC Art School prior to deciding to join the Air Force where he worked as a bomb loader on the flight line.

When Bill was in his early twenties he began working as a lithographer, which he did for over thirty years, however, he found his true joy in his second career as a Facilities Manager at KIPP School in Gaston, where he and Suzie worked tirelessly as part of “the Pride” to build, grow and inspire students, teachers and administrators to be and do their very best, just as he always did his. 

His true love was his wife. Bill met his wife Suzie on a blind date, which began a love affair that inspired those around them. Over the years they did so many things, whitewater rafting, motorcycle riding, dancing, riding to chase sunsets on their pontoon, playing cards, and laughing together. 

Bill and Suzie were always having adventures. Just this past year they went ziplining in the fall, and to Europe over the summer to watch their grandson sing in cathedrals.

They drove to Fayetteville to watch another grandchild wow them on instruments and with academic competitions. They have been lifetime lovers of riding motorcycles; they did a cross country trip on their trike last spring.

Bill wore a constant smile, and asked questions of everyone he met. He wanted to know your story and learn from you. Bill could draw, fix, build or do anything. If you needed a helping hand he was always the first one there. He not only helped you but taught you so you could take the lesson with you.

Bill will be missed. He was a man who chose to serve, both on a personal level for those who knew him but also as a volunteer. He spent his time for decades working with Sertoma in Durham. He served at Lake Gaston in Oh Sail, the Lion’s Club, Lakeside Lutheran Church, and Camp Dogwood.

Bill is survived by his wife Suzie, son Jeffery Goertemiller and his five children Alex, Braxton, Cameron, Ryker and Trevor, his daughter Brandi Reynolds and son-in-law John Reynolds and their children Nathan and Ryan. He is also survived by his sister Cora Kearns. In addition, he is leaving behind many friends who were considered family.

On Friday January 17, 2020 at 11:30 there will be a church service at the Lakeside Lutheran Church 2427 Eaton Ferry Rd, Littleton, NC 27850, to be followed immediately by a celebration of Bill’s life at the Lion’s Den on 139 Stanley Rd, Henrico, NC 27842. We hope many of you can join us in sharing love and memories with his family. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at hockadayfs.com

In lieu of flowers please donate in Bill's name to the E-sight Program at Lake Gaston Lion’s Den, 139 Stanley Road, Henrico, NC 27842

Arrangements for Mr. Goertemiller are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.