William Bruce Van Meer Sr., age 82, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016, at his home in Belleville. He was born on September 30, 1933, in Owosso, MI, to his parents, Ernest and Ahlela (Keyes) Van Meer.

Bill graduated from Corunna High School and then continued his education at Michigan State University, graduating in 1955 with a business degree. On January 15, 1955, Bill married Mary Brennan in East Lansing, MI. Following college he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. After his military service Bill began his business career with U.S. Rubber in South Bend, IN. Bill's work career took him and his family to various positions with several companies throughout the Midwest. He retired as the purchasing manager for A.O. Smith Harvestore in Dekalb, IL. Following his retirement Bill and Mary traveled and lived for a time in Apopka, FL, before returning to their Midwest roots in Illinois and then settling in Belleville. Bill was a devout Catholic and was proud to serve as he could in all the parishes he attended. He was also a member of the Lions, Knights of Columbus, and had served on the city council and harbor commission in New Buffalo, MI, and as a little league coach and PTA president. Bill was an avid golfer, bowler, and boater. He also enjoyed performing in community theaters, his favorite roles were as Mayor Shinn in the "Music Man" and Scrooge in "The Christmas Carol."

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Van Meer; children, Kathleen (Ward) Wheat, Elizabeth Bates and Sue (Scott) Lesley; and daughter-in-law, Tina Van Meer. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Ronald (Kate) Bates, Teresa (Cedric) Saintignan, Alex (Sarah) Bates, Lance (Rachel Magellan) Van Meer and Ryan Lesley; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Abram and Estelle; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Van Meer; and son, William Van Meer Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 15, 2016, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 S. Harrison St., Belleville, WI, with the Rev. Michael Moon officiating with burial with military honors in the St. Raphael's Frenchtown Cemetery.

Relatives and friends called from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Monday, August 15, 2016, at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belleville.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

A memorial fund has been established.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.