William M. Petree

William "Bill" Petree, age 84, a longtime resident of Toledo, passed away Friday, October 1st, 2010 at Sunset House. He was born to Thomas and Berneice (White) Petree August 15th, 1926 in Toledo. Bill was a descendant of William and Susanna White, who were passengers on the Mayflower in 1621. After graduating from Whitmer High School in 1944, Bill entered the U.S. Army serving in the 27th Division in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was in the one of the first divisions sent into mainland Japan as a member of the occupational forces ordered into Japan after their surrender. During his service in the military, Bill attained the rank of Sergeant, forging many friendships that he kept over the years. Bill returned to Toledo after his service to his country and worked several jobs including, Jeep, Nabisco, Toledo Scale and National Supply, where he met his wife Marilyn Ruth Todd. Bill and Marilyn married April 28th, 1951. He then went on to work at Pure Oil Refinery, later known as Union 76. When the Toledo division of Pure Oil closed Bill went to work with the University of Toledo in the Electrical Engineering Department as an Electronic Technician, where he continued working for 21 years: retiring in 1988. While employed with the University in the E.E. Department, Bill supervised many young students pursuing their undergraduate Engineering degrees. He often remarked that if there were as many young men and women in this country as talented and gifted as those he mentored at the university, this country would be in very capable hands.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Marilyn (Todd) Petree in 1995. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Petree-Nye and Lisa Kay Petree and granddaughter, Mindy Marie Nye of San Diego, CA.

The family will receive guests Friday from 2-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

The Petree Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Sunset Retirement Village for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Glenwood Lutheran Church or to the charity of the Donor's choice.