Bill Nierre

BREMEN - William Niere, Marine veteran and retired welder, dies at 72. William, born on October 3, 1935, in Quincy, IL, to father Martin Henry Niere and mother, Mary Hayes Niere, passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, due to his treacherous and long struggle with cancer. William married Wanda Lawrence on Oct. 15, 1958, in New London, MO. Together they brought up two children, Willett and Martin. Willett would later go on to marry Lawrence Hooten, and Martin would later marry Irma Ruiz, from whom he would have three grandchildren, Kristina Niere of Bremen, Katelyn Hooten of New Carlisle and Dillon Hooten of New Carlisle. William had one sister, Joan Nickelson (John) of South Bend, and two half sisters, Mary Blassing and Maxine Kuhlmeier of Quincy, IL. He also had two half brothers, Louie Edgecomb of Quincy, IL, and Tim Edgecomb of Springfield, IL. He had a niece, Terri Reynolds (John) of South Bend. He also had three nephews, Ken, John and Mike Nickelson. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Ed Nickelson, and his parents. William enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served in the 1st Marine Tank Company. He served in the Korean War as a tank driver in 1954. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1956. He remained a Marine until the day of his death. After he served, he worked for James Quick as a welder and did many jobs for his town of Bremen. He took great pride in his work, and after he retired from J and R Manufacturing in 1999 he continued to do many welding jobs from his garage. He loved fishing and squirrel hunting. He took pride in family get-togethers and loved good food. Bremen is home to his many great friends and acquaintances. He was a great man, a great grandfather, and one of the strongest men I have had the good fortune of knowing. He will surely be missed for many years to come. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen. Visitation will be one hour before services. Following the services there will be a special military graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Bremen VFW Post #8972. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhomes.com.