William Leonard Nemec

Bill Nemec died this past Saturday night, September 29th, the day before his 89th birthday. He was one of the strongest men we knew and he left behind a great legacy of countless stories and words of wisdom.

You can’t distill a life in a few phrases but in sharing memories among beloved wife of 66 years, Pat, 3 daughters, Lisa, Carrie and Jenny, husbands Ed, Jeff and Matt, and 10 grandkids, Andrew, Madeleine, Sam, Connor, Amanda, Dylan, Olivia, Alex, Beau and Sean, we tried to capture Bill Nemec’s essence. Through the laughter and the tears we have come up with these “go to” Grandpa Bill-isms.

Ironically and most often…”Best say nothing.”

About college choices, “They all have books.”

When we girls took forever to get ready, “Here she comes, Miss America…”

And when my mom was taking too long, “Just get in the car Baby!”

On investment advise, “I’ve been trading bonds for 30 years…”

From his military service, “three square meals and clean sheets, up and at ‘em, hold ’er newt, rise and shine, down the hatch…”

During many a long drive, “It’s just around the bend.”

On the golf course, “Let the club do the work.”

Out to eat most evenings, “I’ll have a perfect Rob Roy on the rocks with a twist.”

To the grandkids, them “I’m hungry,” Him, “Nice to meet you, I’m Bill”

Favorite bid in bridge, “3 No.”

In foreign countries, “Entrez vous si vous plait” and “Mucho Mas Major”

And finally, “We love you Dad.” His usual reply, “Same here…”

Bill Nemec was born in Chicago on September 30th, 1929, first son of William and Nancy Nemec. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Roth (87), and brother, Tom Nemec (78). He graduated from University of Michigan with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business. He was an exceptional student, an Evans’ Scholar and a strong Catholic. He met his forever gal Pat Adams on a blind date at Michigan and married her in Detroit in 1952. He served two years in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for Amoco Oil, commuting downtown Chicago on the train for 40 years. He and Pat raised their girls in suburban Flossmoor. They happily retired to Clearwater, FL in 1989, where they enjoyed the winter golfing, playing tennis and soaking up the sun. Summers were for family time in beautiful Sun Valley, ID teaching all of us how to live life to the fullest!

He will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed.

Masses will be said in his honor at St Cecelia’s Church on October 7th and 14th.

Please visit www.AllnuttLoveland.com to share your remembrances of Bill.