William “Bill” F. Wittlinger

WILLIAM “BILL”  WITTLINGER

Age 97, beloved husband of Betty Jean (nee Hill) for 71 years, passed away on October 12, 2022.

Born in Lorain, Ohio June 17, 1925.  At age 15 the family moved to Hambden, Ohio where he worked on the family farm.  In 1943 Bill was recognized by the U.S. Crop Corps for patriotic service on a farm.  He graduated from Chardon High School in 1945 and served honorably in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1949-1955 as a motor mechanic.  After leaving the service Bill worked at Perkins Motor Sales in Chardon as a Studebaker mechanic. 

Bill loved music and dancing, playing both the accordion and piano.  He met the love of his life, Betty, at a local Grange dance and a year later in 1951 they were married.  Bill cherished his daughters and encouraged their participation in horse 4-H.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.  Bill was a hard-working man of integrity who devoted his life, and many skills, to helping his family and friends.  Help was never more than a phone call away.  

Bill was a tandem dump truck owner/operator and hauled material to build many modern roads such as SR 44 and I 271.  He worked 17 years at Newbury Industries assembling injection molding machines until retirement.  After retiring he developed a love for scroll saw work.  He and Betty worked together creating their art, traveling to many craft shows through the years.  Later their daughters took up the role of traveling sales and in recent years they transitioned into selling their art at local retail stores.  Bill loved to challenge himself with intricate designs and continued his creative work to the present day.  They enjoyed many years of friendship in the Euclid Camper Club. 

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Betty Jean (nee Hill).  Daughters: Barbara Foose, Diane Pierce (Terry), and Debra Alford (John Zak).  Grandchildren: John Nagle (Danyelle), April Nagle, Stacy Pierce (Antonio Mastromatteo), Ashley LeBlanc (Seth), Amber Bonsante (Michael), and Madison Zak.  Great grandchildren: Caeleigh Cope, Emily Nagle, John “JJ” Nagle, Laynie Cope, Juliette LeBlanc, and Charlotte Bonsante.  Sister: Leola Madden (James).  He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ellen Wittlinger, sister Ellen Leyde (Harry), and granddaughter Brittney Zak.  He will be missed by many friends and family.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 18th from 4-7 PM at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St, Chardon, OH 44024.  Funeral Service, Wednesday, October 19th at 11:00 AM at Burr Funeral Home followed by burial at Western Reserve Memorial Garden in Chesterland, OH.  Distant loved ones may join the memorial service virtually from a link on Bill’s Obituary on the Burr Funeral Home website.

Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, OH.  Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com