Clarence William “Bill” Gangwer, age 89, of Risingsun, Ohio was called to his eternal home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at his home in Risingsun. He was born on July 30, 1933, in Kansas, OH, at home to Chance O., and Laura N. (Drake) Gangwer. He married Emma Agnes Hill on October 17, 1954, and she preceded him in death.
Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a devout believer in Christ and was active in Scott Trinity United Methodist Church his entire life until COVID. Bill’s early years helping area farmers became a lifelong convocation in the field. He graduated from Risingsun High School in 1952. In 1961, Bill bought Ideal Baseball Bat Factory, operating it until a devastating fire in 2003. He worked for Chrysler Motors for 32 years, retiring in 1997. We know that God is pleased to have one of His kind and generous angels back in his arms. He will be sorely missed by those on Earth left to cherish his memory.
He is survived by his four children; Vickie (Dee Clay) Gangwer of Fostoria, Rebecca (Steve) Eisenman, Timothy Gangwer, and Thomas (Dorathy) Gangwer, all of Risingsun; 9 grandchildren, Monica (Matt), Ryne (Rebecca), William, Gavin, Lindsay, Brittney (Kelly), Morgan, and Chaunce; 7 great-grandchildren; and sibling, Laurie (Kate) Engler.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Chance and Laura Gangwer; daughter, Julia Gangwer; and siblings, Robert Gangwer, Helen Buehning, Sara Wildman, Gladean Goon, Frederick Gangwer, and Trudy Woodland-Gangwer.
Friends will be received from 4-8 PM on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 10-11 AM, at Barndt Funeral Home, where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11 AM with Pastor Gus Christo-Baker officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smile Train Charity, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences can be sent to Bill’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.
