William E. “Bill” Gerritsen, 82, of Fostoria, passed away on Friday April 26, 2019 at his residence.

He was born on May 28, 1936 in Fostoria to Joseph Ernest and Alfreda Quinn-Dola (Kissling) Gerritsen. He married Phyllis M. (Breitigam) Coleman on June 1, 1996 and she survives in Fostoria.

Also surviving is his goddaughter, Wesley Anne Read, Sycamore, Illinois; step children, Douglas (Jamie) Coleman, Findlay, Phyllis Jean (Gerald) Reiter, Fostoria, Timothy Coleman, Findlay and Terry (Pam) Coleman, Sycamore, Ohio; 13 step-grandchildren, 21 step great-grandchildren, a brother, Charles Gerritsen, Fostoria and a sister-in-law, Beverly Molineaux, Fostoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, a step-son, Craig Coleman, and siblings Doris Gerritsen Mundorff, Richard Gerritsen, Norma Gerritsen, Helen Gerritsen Keyes and Donald Gerritsen.

At 12 years old Bill went into an orphanage in Sevierville, Tennessee (the now Smokey Mountains Children’s Home). After graduating from Sevier County High School in 1954 he returned to Fostoria and later joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge he went on to work for the Railroad from 1959-1998 retiring after 39 years of service.

Bill was a member of the Loyal Order Moose Lodge #1567, Fostoria American Legion Post #73, Fostoria Glass Heritage and the Fostoria Rail Preservation. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and feeding birds and squirrels. Bill and Phyllis opened the depot for the Amtrak train arrival and departure for several years. They gained many friends while they were in Fostoria for a short period of time, waiting for the train.

Visitation will take place on Thursday May 2, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at MANN-HARE-HOENING FUNERAL HOME, 407 N. Countyline Street, Fostoria. The funeral service will take place on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Duane Kemerley, presiding. A luncheon and gathering will follow at Trinity Chapel 252 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria. The committal and entombment will take place at 2 p.m. at Knollcrest Cemetery, Arcadia where the Fostoria United Veterans will provide military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fostoria Relay For Life, Fostoria Rail Preservation or the Fostoria Glass Heritage in care of the funeral home.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com

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