William R. Dyer

William R. Dyer, better known as Bill to family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Willow Street Tuesday morning, July 24. He was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – so much in one lifetime. He was a true, stubborn Missouri mule, being born in Wentzville, Missouri, on March 16, 1919 to the late Doscha and William O. Dyer. He celebrated his 93rd birthday this year. He was always a hard worker and his aging body frustrated him again and again. He lived a long life, he was tired, and he was ready to leave this earthly world for a better place. Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Mikulka Dyer, and later his 2nd wife, Nola Halvorson Dyer. Bill was the patriarch of a large family. He is survived by his children Michael Dyer, Pamela Dyer, and Mary Freisher, wife of Steve Freisher; his beautiful and handsome grandchildren, Heather Stone, Evan Dyer, Adam Dyer, Chris Sherr, Bryan Sherr, William Sherr, Amanda Canter, Emily Freisher, and Taylor Freisher, and, of course, the great-grandchildren, Andrew Bales, Matt and Sophie Dyer, Peyton Canter, and Nolan Bozovich. Dad served in the U.S. Navy from 1936 to 1943 during WWII on both the USS Texas and USS Warrington. Right after the Navy, he joined the Merchant Marine and served through 1946. He survived the ill-fated convoy to Murmansk and was ice-bound in Russia for a better part of that winter. His days in the Navy and Merchant Marine were some of his best memories. After the Merchant Marines, he and Mom were living in New York City and he went to work for ALCOA in New Jersey. When ALCOA built its Lancaster plant where the Red Rose Commons shopping center now stands, he decided this was a better place to raise his young family. He transferred here and he later retired from ALCOA after many, many years of service. Following his retirement from ALCOA, Mom and Dad moved to Arizona, which they considered their home. While we know he is truly in a better place, and where two great ladies are no doubt happy to see him, those of us left behind will grieve for him terribly. Rest in peace, Dad, you truly deserve it and remember, we all love you so very, very much. Dad left written instructions requesting no services and we plan to honor that wish. Anyone who knew him would say, “Yep, sounds like Bill.” His ashes will be transported to Arizona where he’ll join our Mom and Nola in his final resting place.

William R. Dyer

July 25, 2012