William Gene “Bill” Wimmenauer, age 93, passed away at Emerald Place Senior Living in Washington on September 29, 2018 at 5:00 am. He was born on August 1, 1925 in Washington, Indiana to Gustave and Louise (Hudson) Wimmenauer.
He attended Washington High School and was a World War II U.S Navy Veteran, serving for 2 ½ years as a Gunner’s Mate 2nd class aboard the USS LST 776 in the Pacific Ocean theatre. He qualified for Gunner’s Mate 1st class but was discharged in 1946 before the rank could be officially bestowed. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after serving more than 20 years as a mail carrier. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also held life-long memberships in the Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion, serving as a past Commander of Post #121.
He is survived by daughter-in-law, Mary Wimmenauer of Washington; three sons and three daughters-in law, Gregory and Ann Wimmenauer of Renton, WA, Ronald Wimmenauer of Tulsa, OK, Michael and Lisa Wimmenauer of Columbia, MO; six stepchildren, Dennis Ashby of San Diego, CA, Jack Ashby and Kenneth Ashby of Washington, IN, Diana Fults of Indianapolis, IN, Sharon Wagler of Evansville, IN; and Karen DeJarnett of Petersburg, IN. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Melanie Wimmenauer of Seattle, WA, Jeremy Wimmenauer and Eric Wimmenauer, both of Washington, IN, Amber Sears of Columbia, MO, and Paul West of OK; 6 great grandchildren, Liam Wimmenauer of Washington, and Elsie, Fletcher, Ruby, Ginger and Quinton Sears of Columbia, MO; and numerous step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by wife Blondina “Bonnie” Patterson Ashby, whom he married in 1968, son Christopher Wimmenauer of Washington, IN, brother Robert Wimmenauer of Whiteland, IN, and granddaughters Kristin Wimmenauer of Columbia, MO and Kellie West Fuller of Tulsa, OK.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 2020 State St., Washington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Yvonne Evans officiating. Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Helping Hearts Hospice, 1314 E. Walnut St., Washington, IN 47501. On line condolences may be sent to the Wimmenauer family at www.goodwinfamilyfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to assist the Wimmenauer family with arrangements.