William Henry “Bill” Riemer, born July 2, 1910 in Freistadt, Wis., died July 30, 2010 on the fourth anniversary of the passing of his beloved wife, Emma.
He had recently achieved his long standing goal of reaching 100 years of age, which he celebrated surrounded by his family and friends who had come from across the country for the event.
At 10 years of age, he moved from Wisconsin to Elberta, were he grew up working long hours on the family farm and acquired the grueling work ethic that he was so well known for. There he met his wife who set her sights on marring the tall, ambitious man who she would eventually share her life for 70 years, raising three children and building a reputation as one of the leading farmers in area.
His reputation for business acumen, hard work and the capacity to meet any challenge served him well as he built Riemer Seed Corn from an idea into one of the South’s largest and most respected producers of hybrid seed corn. He was a highly respected member of the local business community and served on the boards of Baldwin Mutual Insurance Company and Gulf Coast Title Insurance, where his judgment and steadfast moral compass were respected by all that dealt with him.
He was a respected member of the leadership of St. Marks Lutheran Church, where he was a member for over 90 years. He and Emma set up the Riemer Lutheran Scholarship Fund which helped fund the education of Lutheran pastors and teachers. His family and friends loved and respected him for his wit, loyalty and wisdom. His expertise on an amazing array of subjects was appreciated by all, even when it was conveyed as unsolicited advice presented in his unique and obstinate style.
He was also preceded in death by a son, William “Billy” Riemer.
Survivors include a daughter, Norma (Bob) Stemm; son, Richard (Pi) Riemer; daughter-in law, Barbara Riemer; brother-in law, Paul Schultz; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; a very good friend, Eddie Moody; other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley, and begins at 9 a.m. with funeral services at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 at St. Marks Lutheran Church Elberta. Burial will follow at St. Marks Lutheran Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Foley.
