Willis J. "Bill" Riemesch

Willis J. “Bill” Riemesch, age 82 of Elida, died on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Mercy Health Lima, surrounded by his family.  

He was born on August 16, 1941 to the late Fred and Frances (Mechling) Riemesch. He married Judith K. Emehiser on August 27, 1960 at Sharon Park United Methodist Church in Lima. She survives in Elida. 

Bill was a graduate of Shawnee High School. He loved telling stories of his days as a football player for the Indians. He was also involved in FFA and served as Allen County Jr. Fair King. He worked at the Lima Ford Engine plant for 33 years before retiring in 1993. He then spent several years working as the caretaker of Camp Robin Rogers for ARC of Allen County, which may have been his favorite job. Bill loved his family and sports as he became a big Celina Bulldog fan when his grandsons started playing. He also served as a past Elida Lions Club and Elida Athletic Boosters President. He was a fan of the OSU Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds. Those who knew Bill heard stories for every occasion which he enjoyed telling everyone that would listen. Family was everything to Bill and his love, his presence and his stories will be missed by them. 

Bill is also survived by his son, Dan (Chris) Riemesch of Celina and daughter, Nancy (Dave) O’Keefe of Lima. He is also survived by his grandsons, Brent (Megan) Riemesch of Elida and Greg (Kelly) Riemesch of Celina; great-grandchildren, Connor and Olivia Riemesch of Elida, and Chloe, Owen and Madilyn Riemesch of Celina; his foster granddaughters, Gail Johnson and Kaylee May of Lima; a sister, Ruth Closson of Lima, and sister-in-law, Joyce Riemesch of Raleigh, NC. 

He was preceded in death by brothers, Robert Riemesch and David Riemesch; sister, Dianna Eiche, and brothers-in-law, Richard Eiche and Richard Closson.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home with visitation 1 hour prior.  Pastor Kelly Waltz will officiate.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice or Allen County Arc. 

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.   Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.