William R. Deethardt

William “Bill” R. Deethardt, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2015, in the Sanctuary at Holy Cross, South Bend.

Bill was born September 11, 1928 in Mishawaka, a son of the late John and Helen (Wiekamp) Deethardt. He grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1946.

On May 18, 1947, Bill married Rexetta M. Shetterly. The couple made Mishawaka their home.

Beginning in 1947, Bill was employed at Schilling’s Printing Company. In 1975, along with his son Jeff, he started Deethardt Litho Printing Company, which is still in operation. Bill was a member of First Christian Church in Mishawaka where he sang in the choir, belonged to the Homebuilders Sunday School Class and baked bread for communion. Bill was a 65 year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and sang with the South Bend - Mishawaka Valleyaires and currently was their longest time member. At one time he was an usher for University of Notre Dame football. He was an avid Notre Dame Sports fan and liked watching all sports. Bill and Rexetta enjoyed playing cards and were long time members of a Pinochle Club. He was a long time member of the Mishawaka High School Alumni Association.

Bill’s surviving family includes his three children, Dianne Sue (Harry) Yocum of Mishawaka, Jeffery L. (Heidi) Deethardt of Mishawaka and William H. (Kimberly) Deethardt of Granger; two grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) Yocum and Matthew (Kimberly) Yocum; four great grandchildren, Laura, Logan, Paige and Molly Yocum; and three brothers, John F. Deethardt, Paul J. (Carol) Deethardt and Phillip M. (Marianne) Deethardt.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Rexetta, in 2010.

Friends may spend time with Bill’s family on Thursday, August 13, from 3 - 5 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Services honoring Bill’s life and faith will be held Thursday at 5 pm in the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Gregory Timmons officiating.

Cremation has taken place and burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Contributions in Bill’s memory are suggested to First Christian Church, Mishawaka. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.