Gonterman, Joseph W. “Bill”, December 17, 1921-May 4, 2018. Beloved husband of Barbara (nee AuBuchon), his devoted companion and partner in life, work and play for over 45 years; preceded in death by his brother Tom (’97) and daughter Kim Frazier (’05) (Burke d. ’99); survived by his daughter Sherrill Perry (Bart) and dedicated step-daughters Cathy Schweitzer (Marty d. ’14), Caryn Schmitt (Robby), Linda Blest (Alan) and Gina Mulchek (Dave). Bill was blessed with twelve loving grandchildren, Wes Frazier; Claire, Paul and Ryan Schweitzer; Chris Doss; Matt Schmitt; Stephanie, Angela and John Blest; Mark, Matt and Andy Mulchek. What kept the light in his life during his last years were the seven great-grandchildren. Bill always has a special place in his heart for children. Bill was a member of Sigma Chi while at Washington University, and after graduating served in the Army during World War II.
Shortly before his father’s death in 1966, Bill took over the helm of the family business in which he worked since the War. That year, he joined the Downtown St. Louis Rotary Club, where children were a focus of much of his humanitarian work throughout his 50 year membership. Throughout his life, and even until the end, Bill always had a book near-at-hand, especially favoring those involving history. He favored the outdoors for physical activity, including camping, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, hiking, and frequent walks in the park along with the occasional marathon, walking when he could no longer run, with his last such endeavor being a 5k walk at the age of 91.
After having inherited Illinois farm acreage from his parents, Bill began planting trees along the perimeter and in the un-tillable areas. This became a passion for him, as he hand-planted hundreds of trees. In 1998, having become aware of the nature value of certain areas of the property, he dedicated an area to be preserved forever by the Illinois Conservation Department.
Four more such dedications would follow. During his 96 years, many friends preceded him in death, but since Bill would consider all he met as a friend, he continually gained younger friends, among them are the dedicated Hospice care givers Lem and Tsz Wai “Chewy”, who helped him survive much longer than many expected and loving private care-giver Kathy. With their help, Barbara was able to continue caring for Bill at home until he peacefully faded away.
Services: Funeral at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road (at Butler Hill Rd.) on Monday, May 14, 12:00 p.m. Interment with honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials to Rotary Club #11 St. Louis All In One Fund. Visitation Sunday 4-8 p.m.