Bill (William Henry) Riemer

ELBERTA,AL   Mr. Bill ( William Henry) Riemer , born July 2, 1910 in Freistadt, WI, 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 ten years of age, Bill moved from Wisconsin to Elberta, AL, where 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 Emma, 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. Bill’s 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 Bill 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. Mr. Riemer is survived by his daughter Norma ( Bob) Stemm , son Richard ( Pi) Riemer, daughter –in law Barbara Riemer,widow of his son William( Billy) Riemer,  brother-in law Paul Schultz, 7 grandchildren, 13 great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces , nephews,a very good  friend Eddie Moody,other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held from St. Marks Lutheran Church Elberta,AL, on Thursday August 5, 2010 at 10:00am.Mr. Riemer will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in St. Marks Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wolfe –Bayview Funeral Home Foley,AL on Wednesday August 4, 2010 from  6-8PM.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY INC. 2551 SOUTH MCKENZIE ST. FOLEY,AL 36535