William "Bill" Weng

September 11, 1926- July 12, 2021

You know how people say they’re happy when their name isn’t in the obit page, well… mine is now.

It’s been an adventure for 94 years, and I’ll tell you a little about it. I was born 9/11 (who knew that would become a sad date for our country) to the late Irene (Golden) and Daniel in Fremont, Ohio. I graduated in 1944 from Fremont Ross, then served in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and ‘46 working in electronics.

I married the beautiful Illa Rose Poorman on October 9,1949 and enjoyed over 68 years together.

After tinkering with electronics at Eversoles, I purchased that business in 1954, and 4 years later purchased Lorenzen Music Store. I often would talk about the $300 I borrowed from my grandma to help with these purchases (yes, I did pay her back). I combined both businesses and in 1967, settled in at the old studebaker garage, Frederick’s building at 120 E. State.

During all this, I was playing sax with some area big bands, mainly the Charlie Haaser Band at Rainbow Gardens. Illa and I started a family, and our love of learning the game of tennis began shortly after. I loved listening to Illa play piano and organ. I became her official page turner for church, choir and weddings. I also loved taking the family on river boat rides, the good ole ‘Party Barge’.

In 1974 I sold the business and retired (I know you’re all doing the math, I was 48).

I started lots of tennis programs for old and young, hence the nickname ‘Tennis Bill’. I spent 30 years contracted with the Fremont Rec Department. I also coached tennis at Fremont Ross. (if you want to send a memorial donation, that would be my choice)

Illa and I started spending the winter months at Fort Myers Beach and Naples, Florida and in 2003 after our 5 grandgirls graduated, we made Florida our permanent home. I loved sailing my boat on the Gulf and watching sunsets. I even started tennis leagues for the ‘seniors’ of Lee and Collier counties.

I lost my ‘Rosie’ in 2018, whom I adored, then found my home at Valley View back in Fremont, closer to my daughters, my granddaughters and my great grandkids. I loved it there: they were my second family, my only family through the dreaded virus. I want to name my favorites, but I’m afraid I’ll forget someone. (you know who you are) I appreciate you all so much ! You made my final 3 years on this earth the best; you were a blessing to me.

I must tell you I have a brother Don, who resides in Newburyport, Massachusetts, my sister Elaine is deceased and I have many nieces and nephews.

My daughters are Terry (Tim) Corbin of Toledo and Lisa (Eric) Wolfe of Fremont.

My 5 granddaughters are Natalie (Pete) Bush, (Shawn Overmyer), Nicole (Jamie, deceased) Ross, Erica (David) Cobb, Tiffany (Weston) Dick, Taylor (Eric) Schwartz and 19 great grandkids.

When asked what I’m most proud of, my answer is my wife, my business sense, and my family.

I’ve written music that has been performed, written poetry that has been published and painted pictures that have been purchased.

As you can see, I’ve been blessed in many ways.

As with all stories, there has to be a finale. I died July 12th, my mother’s 118 birthday. So ma, guess who’s coming home for your birthday dinner ? Set a big table and make a special place for my Rosie and Jamie, we have lots of catching up to do.