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William R. “Bill” Elsass March 10, 1946 - February 17, 2019

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WILLIAM R. “BILL” ELSASS, age 72

of Anna, died on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 9:49 P.M. at the Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio. He was born on March 10, 1946 in Sidney, the son of the late Richard K. and Marie R. (Tangeman) Elsass. On February 27, 1965 he married Bonnie Quellhorst, and she survives in Anna. Also surviving are his children: Mark (Lori Egbert) Elsass, Mrs. William (Melissa) Wells, and Mrs. Ted (Monica) Berning all of Anna, his fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren (with four more on the way), and his sister Mrs. Stanley (Dorothy) Fogt of Sidney. Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by five great-grandchildren.

Bill was a 1964 graduate of Anna High School. He was a life-long member of Immanuel Church in Kettlersville where he had served as an Elder and was a former Deacon. He was a member of the Anna District Historical Society, the Shelby County Farm Bureau, and was a 4-H Advisor for many years. He was a Dinsmore Township Trustee for 24 years, and he was also a Zoning Officer. Bill was a life-long farmer, living on the family farm his whole life. He owned and operated Elsass Fabrication for over 25 years.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at the Immanuel Church in Kettlersville, with Pastor Ed Rinehart officiating. Interment will follow in the Loramie Valley Cemetery near Botkins. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill can be made to Immanuel Church, or the American Cancer Association. The Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen has been entrusted with the arrangements, and condolences to the family can be left online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at the Immanuel Church in Kettlersville, with Pastor Ed Rinehart officiating. Interment will follow in the Loramie Valley Cemetery near Botkins. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill can be made to Immanuel Church, or the American Cancer Association.

Condolences(19)

  1. REPLY
    Deb Fark Barhorst says
    February 18, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss!

  2. REPLY
    Mark Suchland says
    February 18, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Bill was a great man.

  3. REPLY
    Amy & Dale Zumberger says
    February 18, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    Sorry for your loss

  4. REPLY
    Mike and Jill Speca says
    February 18, 2019 at 8:15 pm

    Bonnie and Family: We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

  5. REPLY
    Marilyn and Dick Sullivan says
    February 18, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    We are sorry for your loss.

  6. REPLY
    mike Elsass says
    February 18, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Just heard & while I am in shock …. I realize how important Bill & Bonnie are to his family & all those beautiful grandkids. The example he set will live forever in their lives. That is a true legacy. I was proud to know him & share so many great moments working on my steel art, talking about our dads, his plans for the 1 room
    schoolhouse and family memories. Bill you are one of the great ones…go in peace
    knowing that your life was well served and your legacy will shine brightly forever.

    s

  7. REPLY
    Bob & Diana Wyen says
    February 18, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    What a great man. He always had good things to say about people. Will never forget him.

  8. REPLY
    Carole Ferguson says
    February 19, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.. He leaves behind a beautiful family.

  9. REPLY
    Bill and Sarah Knasel says
    February 19, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Bill will be greatly missed. May God be with the family.

  10. REPLY
    Pat & Shirley Elsass says
    February 20, 2019 at 9:56 am

    Dear Bonnie and family. Please accept our sympathy and prayers for your loss. Bill was an inspiration for all to share and follow. Your wonderful family is a testament to a successful lifetime and a job well done. We will so miss Bill’s stop over at our house to chat for a bit and share family experience. Unfortunately we are out of state and unable to attend the services but please known you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. Pat & Shirley..

  11. REPLY
    SCOTT AND SHARON VANFOSSEN says
    February 20, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    WE ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. BILL WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY. OUR THOUGHTS AD PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.

  12. REPLY
    Dan & Jenny Jones says
    February 21, 2019 at 6:44 am

    You have our deepest condolences.

  13. REPLY
    Dave & Peggy Grewe says
    February 21, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this difficult time.

  14. REPLY
    Mike and Tanna Quellhorst says
    February 21, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Bill will be missed by many.

  15. REPLY
    Joyce Ruedebusch says
    February 21, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Bonnie, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

  16. REPLY
    david kindred says
    February 22, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    Bonnie and family, I just learned of Bill and sat here for an hour, wanting to say something, but how?….My first memory is of he and I wrapped in sheets as shepherds or wise men, for the Sunday School Christmas program. We must have been 3 or 4, maybe had 1 speaking line each, but I suspect we stood there and scratched itches, or made faces that embarrassed our Moms…I remember cruising in his Chevy convertible….Then he met you, and I imagine was happy the rest of his life. Thank you for taking care of my Friend !

  17. REPLY
    Dan Elsass says
    February 23, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Bonnie and Family: I was extremely sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. I had just had a number of chats with him about Elsass family history and the creation of an “Elsass room” in the new Anna Historical Society building. He achieved many great things with the brick school house restoration and the fund raising for the museum. My folks Dave and Mary Jane appreciated your visits with them in Bowling Green, especially during their last two years of declining health. May Bill rest in peace as he joins the biggest family reunion in the hereafter! Dan Elsass and Family, Madison, Wisconsin

  18. REPLY
    John and Linda Larger says
    February 27, 2019 at 7:40 pm

    Our love and thoughts go to Bill’s family. He was a great asset to the community and was a wonderful man. Our prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.

  19. REPLY
    Ron Reineke says
    March 4, 2019 at 5:57 am

    I am shocked to hear that Bill has passed away. Bill was an absolute joy to work for and even a better person to just talk to and get to know. My family and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Thought and prayers to you and the whole family.

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