William Gerald O'Toole, "Farmer Bill"

William Gerald O'Toole "Farmer Bill" Merrill, Michigan Passed away suddenly, Thursday, January 24, 2013, Age 83 years. William was born in Saginaw to the late Benedict and Mary (Phalen) O'Toole on September 25, 1929. He graduated from Sacred Heart School in Merrill. Class of 1947. William married Norma Egerer, June 22, 1957. They were married 42 wonderful years when she passed away November 4, 1999. William worked at Dow Corning Corporation for 35 years as a Multi-Tradesman, retiring in December of 1989. He also farmed in the Merrill area for many years. He served with the U. S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He was an active lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merrill, where he served as Sacristan, Usher, member of the Christian Service Commission and took communion to the homebound. He was Past Grand Knight of the Fr. Neuman Knights of Columbus Council #2291; Past Commander of the Hemlock-Merrill V.F.W. Post #7302; Past President of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association; Past Trustee of Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire District. He was a member of the Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Board. He worked with the Saginaw Valley Blood Drives. William loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially enjoyed the Holidays and dinners together. He loved being a weather spotter for WNEM TV5 as "Farmer Bill" and enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, watching sports on TV, especially the Detroit Tigers, Michigan State University Spartans and the Irish of Notre Dame University. He was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year for the Merrill Farm Fest in 2002. Surviving are his children, Gregory O'Toole, Saginaw, MI; Philip O'Toole, St. Charles, MI; Sharon and James Gracik, East Tawas, MI; Karen and Theodore Fischer, Las Vegas, NV; Lisa and Paul Wood, Merrill, MI; Mary and Michael Ketelhut, Saginaw, MI; nine grandchildren, Gregory O'Toole II. and his wife Amanda; Misty and Scott Jekel; Megan Gracik; Alyssa Gracik; Natalie Fischer; Alec Fischer; Paul Wood, Jr; Max Ketelhut; Julia Ketelhut; three great grandchildren, Ashlyn O'Toole; Gregory O'Toole III; William Jekel; two sisters, one brother, Robert O'Toole; Patricia Wurtzel; Sr. Marie Benedict; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Two brothers, four sisters, Dominic O'Toole; Sr. Marie O'Toole; Fr. Aloysius O'Toole; Elizabeth Beyer; Dorothy Rousseau and Grace Dean have predeceased him. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Merrill. Rev. Craig Carolan and Rev. Craig Albrecht will officiate with Military burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery under the auspices of the Hemlock-Merrill V.F.W. Post #7302. Visiting hours with the family will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 28, 2013 at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, in Merrill where Vigil service will take place at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary prayed by the Fr. Neuman Council #2291 Knights of Columbus. Friends may also call at the Church from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the funeral liturgy. William will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Department, the Building Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Hemlock-Merrill V.F.W. Post #7302. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637