Bill was born in Des Moines, IA and then grew up in Rockford, IL where he attended high school. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in Special Education, he joined the Army and spent 2 years in Korea. After his military service he was transferred to the USAR where he became am elementary principal in Taiwan on a US Naval Base and then subsequently the same position in Tokyo, Japan. He eventually returned to the United States and over the years continued principalships in Colorado, Iowa, Ohio and eventually California after which he retired but still remained in education as a substitute teacher. While serving as a principal over the years he obtained a Masters degree in Education and eventually a Ph.D. in Curriculum Innovations, both from the University of Iowa.
His passion was always teaching and learning new things, up until the day of his passing. He was also an accomplished artist not only with painting but all forms of creative art. At 90 he created an entire outdoor life size manger scene including the town of Bethlehem, all out of recycled materials. It was his last accomplishment.
Bill was married for 59 years to Aileen Dwyer, who passed several years ago, at the same age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen Dwyer (Connerton), and his two sisters, Pat and Mary. He is survived by his two sons, Erik Dwyer (Longmont), Mark Dwyer (Oregon), Erik’s wife Marnie Dwyer and his two grandchildren, Connor and Mackenzie Dwyer. He was a friend to everyone he met and influenced countless lives throughout the course of his life. He will be missed, but remembered by each of us in our hearts.
