Petit, Wilmer

Wilmer “Bill” Petit, age 91, Fremont, went to his Eternal Home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at St. Joseph Residence. Bill was born on November 5, 1920, in New London son of the late Louis and Lillian (Bonnin) Petit. On June 17, 1944, Bill was united in marriage to Eunice Beschta. They resided northeast of New London. Bill worked construction for Miron until age 20. Shortly after, he bought a farm in Caledonia Township, Fremont and farmed with his family for over 60 years. Bill’s passion for farming and the outdoors was evident. He purchased numerous farms in the area and was proud of how he grew the business. Upon retiring, his passion continued as he spent countless hours driving around his land, watching homes go up in the subdivision that was developed on one farm, he also watched as crops were planted in the spring and as they matured and were harvested in the fall. He took great pride in his apple orchard and giving apples to his family and friends. Bill enjoyed fishing and boating fun on his houseboat, polka dancing, snowmobiling, vacationing with family and friends, and playing a good game of sheepshead. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill is survived by his children: Judy (Mark) Fellers, Ron (Kathy) Petit, Mike (Patti) Petit, Steve (Bonnie) Petit, all of Fremont; a Brother, Victor (Rita) Petit; Grandchildren: Keith Boutwell (special friend, Melissa Wick), Lisa (Todd) Thiel, Joelle VerHagen, Jennifer (Chris) VanAsten, Karianne (Jason) Arendt, Clint Petit, Kyle Petit, Jeremy (Jenny) Jeffers, Shanda (Mick) Stachurski, Sara (Brian) Montonati, Tia Petit, Heather (Scott) Springer, Robert Tetzlaff, and Melissa Tetzlaff. He is further survived by 14 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Eunice, son Stan and brothers, Duane and Orville. The family would like to thank the staff at Trinity Terrace, St. Joseph Residence and Heartland Hospice for all their care and concern to Wilmer. Dad, your love, wisdom, guidance and leadership through life are going to be greatly missed by all your family. Funeral Mass for Wilmer was held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London with Fr. David Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Tuesday, from 4-8 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London and also at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, 209 W. Cook St., New London 920-982-3232 www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com