William A. Ulmer

William A. Ulmer, age 85, passed onto our Lord, January 11, 2019.  He was born December 5, 1933, the third of eight children to William and Eleanor Ulmer.

After graduating from Macomber High School in 1951, Bill entered the service and was a 2nd Class Petty Officer for the US Navy.  He served in the Korean War, and was discharged in 1954. 

Bill then worked at IBM for 31 years, working in offices in Toledo, South Bend, and Lexington. While at IBM, he worked very hard, working his way up to the position of Field Manager. He retired in 1986. He also worked at Society Bank and Bell Atlantic after retiring from IBM. He was a well-respected colleague, leader and Manager.

Bill and JoAnn’s son, Kerry, was born with downs syndrome, and Bill became involved in the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, even taking a sabbatical from IBM to work for them.

In 1991, Bill was ordained a Deacon for the Toledo Diocese, working at St. Joseph’s Church, Sylvania in 1996. He often said his favorite activity as a Deacon was the Baptism of babies.

Bill was always very generous with charity work; both in time and donations. He was involved in Heartbeat of Toledo, establishing their annual golf outing, Knights of Columbus, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania.

Bill deeply loved his family. He cherished his marriage of 67 years with JoAnn. He felt blessed by his many children and grandchildren. Bill had a very positive outlook on life and thanked God for each day. He loved the sunshine, sports (primarily playing golf) and travelling. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn. He is also survived by his children, Bill (Mary), Michelle Deeter, Sean (Edward Stinson), Mike (Katie), and Amy (Greg) Bonfiglio and daughter in law, Martha Ulmer; grandchildren, Nick (Jen) Ulmer; David and Mark (Josue Diaz) Deeter; Josh, Chelsea (Dustin Vannoy) and Hayley Ulmer; Nicholas and Eleanora Bonfiglio; and four great grandchildren, Emily Jane and Riley Ulmer, and Russell and Kennedy Vannoy. He is also survived by his siblings Suzanne Kirby, Ted (Shirley), Bonnie (Jim) Dale, Kathy (Rick) Radde and John Ulmer. He was preceded in death by his children, infant Darby, and sons, Doug and Kerry. Also preceding him were his parents William and Eleanor Ulmer and JoAnn’s parents, Charles and Josephine Wurzell; grandchildren Ben and Wendy Ulmer; and siblings June Bostleman and Mary Lou Marion.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Friends are invited to visit at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio, Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 3pm-8pm, with a Vespers service at 7pm. Funeral Mass is at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 S. Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. The Deacon's body will lie in state in the Church from 9:30 am until 11am, when the Funeral Mass begins.

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