William Walter Klusmeier

Life is not a destination, it is a journey. William Walter Klusmeier began his journey on March 30, 1923, at Sparks hospital in Fort Smith Arkansas. Born the only child of William Walter Klusmeier and Ethel Ruth Cutting Klusmeier, he was raised with his cousins Jane Cutting Smith and Robert N. Cutting. He graduated Fort Smith High School and attended Ft. Smith Junior College. He was a Kappa Sigma brother at the University of Arkansas and graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Washington University—Saint Louis. As a navy dentist, Bill served his country in Germany during World War II. He returned to the University of Iowa where he earned his Masters degree in orthodontics.

Bill Klusmeier was truly a man for all seasons. First and foremost he was a family man. He married the love of his life, Betty Gail Hall, on April 23, 1944. They had five children, Gail Hall Klusmeier Harrington and husband Steve of Bentonville, Carol Ann Klusmeier Amerine and husband Perry of Little Rock, AR., Mary Lynn Klusmeier Bain and husband Michael of Pocola, Ok., Leigh Cutting Klusmeier Freeze and husband Bill of Bentonville, and William Walter Klusmeier and wife Lisa Ann Hathcock Klusmeier of Bentonville. At last count he had 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. As a family man, his children and his wife were “loved till they shown in the dark”. He believed life was to be enjoyed and brought fun and adventure into every day. As the leader of his family, he served up to his last breath as an example to his children and grand children on how to live life—demonstrating an insatiable curiosity, unfailing humor, empathy for others, and enduring optimism and faith. Bill Klusmeier knew how to live life to the fullest.

Bill Klusmeier was a successful professional man and practiced his profession for 42 years. He introduced the profession of orthodontics to the Fort Smith area and over the years touched the lives of countless young people. He served his profession as president of the Arkansas Association of Orthodontists, was an active member of the Southwestern Society of Orthodonticts, and received the Martin Dewey Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of orthodontics in education, practice and research. He is credited as the first professional to utilize hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth.

Bill Klusmeier was dedicated to his community. He served as President of the Fort Smith Exchange Club, served on the Board of Directors of the Fort Smith Girl’s Club, and served as president and member for 10 years on the Westark Community College Board of Trustees. He loved his country and was a life time working member of the Republican Party.

And finally, Bill Klusmeier was a man of great faith. He and his wife were active in the First United Methodist Church and over the years taught high school, college students, young adults and adult Sunday school classes. Bill Klusmeier not only professed Christianity, he lived it. As he always said, the good Lord had blessed him abundantly.

The memorial service will be held Thursday, July 9th at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, Fort Smith, preceded by a family committal service under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held in the Narthex following the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church and the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com