Mishawaka, IN- William Ray Werntz Sr. passed away peacefully on December 18, 2018 at Golden Living Center in Mishawaka. He was born May 25, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Earl William and Alice Werntz. Bill was inducted into the United States Marine Corps on June 11, 1951. He served during Korean and Vietnam War. He was proud to serve his country for 21 years and he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Bill was honorably discharged on June 30, 1972. On December 2, 1955 Bill married Ruth Ryles and with this happy union was blessed with 8 children. He was a member of the VFW Post 360, American Legion Post 161, F.O.E. 2083, and the BK Club. Bill took a special honor flight from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial, Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln Memorial in April 2017. He enjoyed playing pool, Belgium bowling, model planes, puzzles, sports, and spending time with family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Werntz of Mishawaka, IN; daughters, Peggy (Don) Edmonson of Mishawaka, IN, Linda (Doug) Perkins of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Evelyn (Gerry) Wood of Plymouth, IN; sons, William Werntz of Celina, OH, Earl (Rose) Werntz of Springboro, OH, Gary Werntz of Mishawaka, IN, and Kenneth (Roberta) Werntz of Goshen, IN; grandchildren 22; 38 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; sister, Sally Young of Mishawaka, IN; brother, Thomas Werntz of Mishawaka, IN; sisters-in-law, Shirley Werntz of South Bend, IN and Rose Werntz of Ohio; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Karen Werntz; brothers, Ted Werntz and Richard Werntz; sister-in-law, Myland Werntz and brother-in-law, Charles Young.

A gathering for family and friends will be on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, IN and funeral will follow. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. To share a remembrance of Bill or to offer condolences to her family, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com .