In Memory Of
William Wians, Iii
William Wians, Iii
William R. "Bill" Wians, III, age 81, of Toledo, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Arbors of Sylvania. He was born on October 14, 1925 to William R. and Elsie (Gerth) Wians, II in Chicago, IL, and is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis (Papke) Wians.
An army veteran of World War II, Bill served in the Pacific Theater, re-enlisting after the end of the war. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Sherwood Music School in Chicago, and pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University. A classically trained tenor with a fine voice, Bill served as choir director in Lutheran churches for fifty years, arranging and composing numerous choral anthems. He directed the Teutonia Männerchor for 15 years, and founded the Toledo Damenchor and Kinderchor. He sang in the Toledo Opera Chorus for twenty-three years, until ill health at the age of 80 kept him from performing. He also performed widely as a soloist.
Bill retired as a letter carrier from United States Postal Service. Previously he had worked in the insurance industry, moving his family from the Chicago area to Toledo in 1964. He was an avid gardener, a model railroader, a member of Mensa, and VFW Post 2898. He delighted his family by composing poems to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other occasions, and took a special joy in Christmas, filling the house with decorations.
Also surviving Bill is his son William R. Wians IV (and wife Karen); daughter Sandra Jackson-Wians; grandsons Andrew and David Wians, and Alex Jackson; an aunt, many cousins and dear friends.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 in the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) from 2 – 4:00 and 5 - 8:00 p.m. with VFW Post 2898 Services beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 2820 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Richard O. Sauerlender. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.
Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider the American Cancer Society or Lutheran Church of Our Saviour.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.NewcomerFamily.com.
An army veteran of World War II, Bill served in the Pacific Theater, re-enlisting after the end of the war. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Sherwood Music School in Chicago, and pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University. A classically trained tenor with a fine voice, Bill served as choir director in Lutheran churches for fifty years, arranging and composing numerous choral anthems. He directed the Teutonia Männerchor for 15 years, and founded the Toledo Damenchor and Kinderchor. He sang in the Toledo Opera Chorus for twenty-three years, until ill health at the age of 80 kept him from performing. He also performed widely as a soloist.
Bill retired as a letter carrier from United States Postal Service. Previously he had worked in the insurance industry, moving his family from the Chicago area to Toledo in 1964. He was an avid gardener, a model railroader, a member of Mensa, and VFW Post 2898. He delighted his family by composing poems to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other occasions, and took a special joy in Christmas, filling the house with decorations.
Also surviving Bill is his son William R. Wians IV (and wife Karen); daughter Sandra Jackson-Wians; grandsons Andrew and David Wians, and Alex Jackson; an aunt, many cousins and dear friends.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 in the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) from 2 – 4:00 and 5 - 8:00 p.m. with VFW Post 2898 Services beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 2820 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Richard O. Sauerlender. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.
Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider the American Cancer Society or Lutheran Church of Our Saviour.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.NewcomerFamily.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Wians, Iii, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Newcomer - NW Toledo Chapel
Service
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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