William Charles Aelker

William Charles “Bill” Aelker age 86, of New Bavaria, died Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.

His Legacy… He was born August 6, 1936 to Charles and Frances Schuller.  He graduated from Holgate High School in 1954.  In August of 1955 he enlisted with the United States Army and was discharged in 1961. On June 13, 1959, he married Helen Schroeder in St. John’s Catholic Church, Glandorf.  Bill was a member at Sacred Heart and retired from Maumee Valley Vending. Prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Bill’s Tavern in New Bavaria. He was a lifetime member of the New Bavaria VFW post #8847, lifetime member of the AMVETS, life member of the Catholic War Veterans and the Holgate American Legion. The most important thing in his life was family. He attended hundreds of sporting events to watch his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed visits from his grand dogs, Cece and Millie. During the summertime he enjoyed spending time along the Maumee River with family and friends. He spent 20 years going to Texas for the winter months.  

His Family… Bill is survived by his loving wife Helen; children: Jack (Jackie) Aelker, New Bavaria, Diane Aelker, New Bavaria, Joan (Jim) Harris, Defiance and Dan (Kelly) Aelker, Defiance; 4 grandchildren; Ashley (Alex) Urdiales, Jake (Kylie) Aelker, Sarah Harris and Luke Harris; 2 great grandchildren: Layla Urdiales and Daxton Urdiales; and siblings: Dennis Schuller and Kathy Giesige; brother-in-law: Richard Kuhlman.  Bill was preceded in death by his stillborn sister Genevieve, sister Kay Kuhlman, brother-in-law William Giesige and grandson Cory James Harris. 

His Farewell Services… Friends will be received on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home of Holgate from 3-8:00 pm and again at the church at 9:30 am, Wednesday.  Mass of Christian Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria on Wednesday at 10:30 am with Father Nick Cunningham officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.  Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.

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