THOMAS LOHNES
CHINA – Thomas Lohnes died unexpectedly at his home, in China Village, on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was born in Lewiston, the fifth of six children, son of Jack and Jeannette (Cote) Lohnes.
He lived his younger years in Auburn and Waterville, graduating from Waterville High School in 1965, and attended a two-year millwright apprenticeship at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, where he became a master of his craft.
He married the former Susan Libby, of Waterville, and they became inseparable, raising their two beautiful children, Christopher, and Jennifer.
Always active and athletic, Tom was a Little League All Star and played hockey for the semi-pro Waterville Bruins. He was also on the Royals, a championship basketball team at the Waterville Boys Club.
Tom and Susan traveled to remote regions worldwide while officiating the international Eco Challenge adventure races, providing medical and wilderness rescue for this televised event. They hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian trail system. When Scott Paper Mill closed, Tom served as a ranger at Baxter State Park, a job he loved. Tom and Susan were a remarkable team who volunteered countless hours with the Wilderness Rescue Team. Tom loved golfing with his friends, always playing with fairness and good humor. He was never at a loss to tell a joke, quick to lend a helping hand, laugh, and forgive.
In 1967, at the age of 20, Tom served as a combat Marine, 3rd battalion, 3rd Marine, Mike company, engaging in brutal warfare in Quang Tri Province, Dong Ha, Con Thien, The Rock Pile, and lastly Hill 861, in Khe San, where his battalion was the first of three divisions required to take the hill, with devastating losses. It was there he was wounded a second time. In a letter written home he said, “It was the worst day of my life.” Tom endured the loss of numerous friends (his band of brothers). Suffering two combat wounds, Tom received the Purple Heart. His life was altered permanently by the brutality of war.
Tom was able to rise above this and live an exemplary life – quick witted and free with his welcoming smile. Tom fostered countless friendships including an international circle of friends at their vacation destinations in South Carolina. Tom led by example: he stood tall and true to his convictions. He was a man of his word and truthful to a fault. As a loyal friend, he stood rock solid. As a husband and father, he was a tender hearted, gentle, loving man. He was someone to feel safe with. He was a fierce protector and lover of animals and nature.
In his 33 years as a millwright at Scott Paper Co., Tom maintained good-natured relationships. If there was a prank, Tom was involved. Tom was the president of his Union of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for several years. Tom’s negotiations bridged gaps between management and labor. His skills encompassed a talent for compromise with respect and professionalism.
At work he was called “TL”, to his siblings and lifelong friends he was “Tommy”, and to his children he was “Daddy” and “Pappa”. As within most loving marriages that have spanned 54 years, the terms of endearment grew and were only voiced in private. July 19 of this year marked what should have been 55 years.
Tom is survived by his wife Susan; and two children, son, Christopher, of Lewiston, and daughter, Jennifer Assaf, of Oakland, and husband Rony Assaf; sisters Helen Lohnes Berman, of New York, and Susan Jane Lohnes Graves (husband, Greg), of Bloomington, Indiana; brother, Barry Lohnes (wife, Susan Mullhuland Lohnes), of Topsham; as well as three generations of extended family.
Tom will be interred at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta, on Tuesday, October 10, at 10 a.m., with full military honors. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Susan Lohnes at New Dimensions Credit Union, 61 Grove St., Waterville, ME 04901 for Christopher.
LUCILLE V. CAOUETTE
WINSLOW – Lucille Violet Caouette, 102, passed peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023. She was born in Brunswick on April 25, 1921, the daughter of Philippe Menard Sr. and Marie Rosalie (St Pierre) Menard.
Lucille attended school at St. John the Baptist, in Brunswick. Following school, she was employed at the Cabot Mill. While working at the woolen mill, she met and married Raymond R. Caouette. Together they raised 10 children, and were married for 59 years. Lucille loved children and enjoyed being a homemaker. She also enjoyed crafts, baking, plants and gardening, and learned to crochet in her retirement years. During that time she crocheted many blankets for her children and grandchildren.
When the children were grown, she became employed as a housekeeper at St. John Rectory, in Winslow, for approximately 10 years. She was a member of the St Anne’s Rosary Sodality, and during the ’60s, also a member of the Elks Emblem Club. In 1966, Lucille was voted the first Mother of the Year. More recently, in June of this current year, she was honored at the Elks Club once again for being the oldest living past Mother of the Year.
Lucille leaves a legacy of unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. Her positive outlook on life, her sense of humor, and her ability to always put the needs of others first, make her an unforgettable and greatly loved role model in the lives of her family members.
She was predeceased by her spouse, Raymond (Luigi) in 2002; by her father in 1955 and mother in 1957; and by her eight sisters, Marie Rosalie Lucienne, Marie Regina, Marie Yvonne, Ida Josephine, Noella, Laurianne, Juliana, and Maria Eugenie Menard; by her six brothers, Joseph Leo (1907), Alfred Joseph, Joseph Leo (1969), Joseph Antonio, Joseph Henry, and Ovide Jean Baptiste Menard; two half-brothers, Joseph Philippe Oriel and Philippe Joseph; one half-sister, Marie Ange Eva Menard; a son, Regis George Caouette; a daughter, Jeannine Solange (Caouette) Wentzell; sons-in-law, Maurice (Danny) Hatch Jr., and Donald Gene Mixer; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Jean (Matthews) Caouette; a a grandson-in-law, Scott Secord; a great-granddaughter, Izabella Mixer; and a great-grandson, Quincy Caouette; and many nieces and nephews.
Lucille is survived by five daughters, Rose Marie (Caouette) Mixer, Isola (Caouette) and Normand Anctil, Joanne (Caouette) Hatch-Lee and Bill Lee, Pauline (Caouette) and Bill Rancourt, and Patricia (Caouette) and David Caron; and by three sons, Richard O. Caouette, Ronald and Bonnie (Foster) Caouette, Michael Caouette and companion Marilyn Diehl Gilbert; son-in-law, Ed Wentzell; and daughter-in-law, Donna Caouette; 20 grandchildren (14 with spouses); 45 great-grandchildren (four with spouses); and seven great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
A private service was held at graveside for the family members. A Celebration of Life was held at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, on Friday, August 18.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guest book may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in the name of Lucille Caouette to Androscoggin Home Health.
AMPARO C. HUTCHISON
WATERVILLE – Amparo C. Hutchison, 70, long time resident of Waterville, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical. Center, Thayer campus, in Waterville. The daughter of Juan Bautista Bueno Puchades and Maria Climent Pous was born in Algemesi Spain, on December 27, 1952, the youngest of six children.
During her teenage years Amparo learned dress design and tailoring from two Spanish tailors and these skills guided her throughout her career, where in Virginia she became one of the head tailors for the Marine Corp. Moving to Waterville in 1988 she worked at Grondin’s Cleaners, The Curtain Shop and Marden’s, all in Waterville.
For a number of years, she owned and operated “Amparo’s”, a wedding and formal dress shop located in downtown Waterville. Combining both her expertise in dress design and tailoring to fit her clients on their special occasions.
Her greatest passion in life was cooking, especially preparing gourmet dinners for her family and her numerous friends. It was always a treat to taste her many Mediterranean recipes along with her flare for conversation. To say she loved to talk would be a vast understatement but for her it was her superpower! She was a woman who knew what she liked and wanted. Throughout her life she touched people of every walk of life. A very special person.
She is survived by her significant other, Allan L. Rancourt, of Waterville; a daughter Rebecca Scott, (Christopher); two grandchildren, Tyler Scott and Landon Scott, all of Livermore California; a son, Peter Hutchison, of Port Charlotte, Florida; two sisters, Angeles Bueno Climent, of Algemesi, Spain, and Josefa Encarnacion Bueno Climent of Ibizia, Spain.
A Celebration of Life to remember her will be held Saturday, August 26, at 3 p.m., at the Spann Commons Summit Room, at Thomas College. All are welcome. Please bring your stories and pictures of Amparo to share.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Hutchison family.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.
THOMAS D. EATON
WATERVILLE – Thomas Dean Eaton 48, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, following a short battle with cancer. Thomas was born September 19, 1974, in Augusta, to Patricia (Dyer) and Robert Eaton.
Thomas was a caring son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is known for his love of video games, Metallica, watching cartoons and collecting Spiderman memorabilia. He loved collecting things that he thought he could fix, even if it were not worth fixing. One of his favorite things to do is visit and converse with his nephew, Stephen. They talked about Harry Potter and Beyblade. I remember his face lighting up talking about their visits. He was always happy to lend a hand when someone needed help, especially Mom!
Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Robert Eaton; and his maternal grandparents Irene and Freeman Barrows.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Dyer, of Augusta; siblings Robert Eaton, of Randolph, Keith (Kim) Eaton, of Gardiner, Susan (John) Williams, of Milton, Florida, and Stephen Dyer II, of Smithfield; and his daughter, Victoria Blaisdell (Matt Quinn) and his granddaughter, Josie, all of Brownfield; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He spent the last 10 years with his love, Laura Conley.
There was a graveside service at the Pine Grove Cemetery, on Cemetery Road, in Belgrade. The celebration of life service was held on August 19, at The Apostolic Church, 500 Western Ave., Augusta.
JOSEPH E. NICKERSON
SKOWHEGAN – Joseph E. Nickerson, 95, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, in Skowhegan. He was born on January 11, 1928, in St. Albans.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a positive influence on many lives.
Joe was a true family man, always eager to help his loved ones. He had a passion for fishing, candlepin bowling, and Sunday drives. His dedication to the Boy Scouts was commendable, as he served as a Boy Scout leader for many years, positively impacting the lives of numerous boys from Norridgewock. Former scouts have sought him out to express the profound influence he had on their lives. Joe was also a captivating storyteller, with an exceptional memory for even the smallest details from long ago.
Joe attended Norridgewock schools until high school when he left to support his family. However, he later achieved a significant milestone by graduating from Skowhegan Area High School in 1976, which he considered one of the highlights of his life.
Throughout his life, Joe held various jobs, including farming, working in the woods, at a woolen mill, a canning factory, and as a truck driver. He dedicated many years to the Norwalk Shoe Company, in Norridgewock, until its closure. Following that, he worked at the New Balance Factory, in Skowhegan, for about a year. Eventually, Joe found his place working for the town of Norridgewock as a Grader Operator and Snow Plow Operator until his retirement in 2004.
Joe was a key member of the First Congregational Church of Norridgewock. His baptism on October 10, 2021, was a profoundly proud moment for him. He found solace and community within the church.
He is survived by his four children, Glenn and his wife, Debra; Brian and his wife, Linda; Mark and his wife, Anne; and Cheryl Judkins and her husband, Roy; his siblings Barbara, Donald, George and his wife Arlene, and Sharon; 10 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Rowena, his parents Glen and Marion, his sister Carol Moody, and his brothers, Edgar and Bruce Nickerson.
Memorial services to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Norridgewock, located at 36 River Rd., Norridgewock, ME 04957.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Congregational Church of Norridgewock, ME, 36 River Rd., Norridgewock, ME 04957.
KEEL J. HOOD, CPA
FAIRFIELD – Keel Joseph Hood, CPA, 60, died Thursday, August 10, 2023. He was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1962 and died at home, in Fairfield.
Keel was a disciplined, hardworking man. He audited towns throughout Maine; he’ll be missed by many clients. He loved cooking, wordplay, traveling, science fiction, his cars and his malamutes.
He’s survived by children Noah and Kaeli; siblings Irene David and Andrew; and many loving friends.
There will be no public memorial.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book may be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital.
RACHEL E. ROWE
BENTON – Rachel E. Rowe, 89, of Benton, peacefully passed away in her home of 70-plus years, on Friday August 11, 2023. She was born on April 14, 1934, in Waterville, the daughter of Archie and Myrtle Hays.
Rachel and her husband, Edmond, loved bowling and fishing. For the last 16 years her son, Stevie has been taking care of her and they have played over 19,000 games of cribbage. Rachel has had three 29 hands, of which Stevie has framed them all.
Rachel was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 55 years; and her son, Earl; and great-grandson, Christian Yahnel.
She is survived by three children, Eddie, Bonnie and their spouses, and Stevie; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Burial service will take place at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville, on Tuesday, August 29, at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
THERESA R. CYR
WATERVILLE – Theresa Rita Cyr, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, August 12, 2023, at the Alfond Center for Health, Augusta. She was the last surviving sibling of 14 children. Born December 30, 1924, in Fairfield, the daughter of Azarie and Amanda (Quirion) Julia, Theresa spent her childhood on the family farm and graduated from Lawrence High School.
Her strong musical interests led her to play the trombone in the band, the violin in the orchestra, and her singing in the Glee Club. Neighbors always noted that Theresa and her two sisters, when walking to and from school, would always be singing in harmony. On Saturday nights the sisters would sing and entertain the guests that came to the family farm on the upper Ridge Road. It is notable to credit Theresa, as a freshman in high school, with her winning first prize in the Spring Junior Reading contest for her dramatic presentation of The Seagulls Are Calling poem. Also athletic, and, carrying on the Julia tradition, she played basketball and was a cheerleader.
Following high school, Theresa worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, as a collar stamper and quickly decided to become a nurse. She studied at Sisters Hospital, in Waterville, and did her internship at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, in New Jersey. They liked her so much they offered her a job, but she wanted to come home. She did so and began working at Sisters Hospital.
As fate would have it, Sisters Hospital would put on an annual Nurses Ball. The one year she decided not to go to the event, her best friend, Christine Connally, convinced her to go because she wanted to introduce Theresa to a handsome French-speaking gentleman named Real Cyr. She accepted the blind date, met Real (the love of her life) and the two were married during the coldest, stormiest day of the year that next January.
Theresa continued as a maternity ward nurse until the first of her five children arrived that December. Theresa was a strong advocate for her children and taught her children about the great value of a good education. Mother and wonderful homemaker, she later returned to her nursing career that lasted 25 years.
Theresa lived in Winslow most of her life and attended St. John Catholic Church, where she sang bass in the choir for years. She loved being with people and enjoyed her sweet doll collection full of baby faces, lace, and personality. Her hobbies included reading, knitting, baking, ceramics, golfing, and she enjoyed traveling with her family. Theresa loved having guests over to the house and together would sing and play the piano. Living very close to the high school football field, on game day Theresa, with open arms, invited friends over to warm their toes during many a cold football halftime. Many memorable and rousing Whist and bid Whist card games were played where cards being placed on the table “WITH VIGOR” would cause the table to jolt, shake, and bounce up off the floor.
She loved being around people and shared her zest for life with all. Helping people whenever she could, and, having an infectious and loving smile, her typical good humor and nature brought simple joys to others each day. Being kind and forgiving, Theresa truly cared about people and loved company. Expect correction if you said “goodbye” instead of “au revoir” as you went out the door. She would always end your visit by saying “I’ll see you out the window.” As you left her home, be it Beacon Street or Woodlands, you would most times see Theresa peeking out the window and waving. It was a loving wave and meant “enjoyed your company, love you and hope you come back soon.” Theresa Rita Cyr knew what was important in life.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Real; her eight brothers, Azarie Julia, Jr., Phil Julia, Edmund Julia, Norman Julia, Roland Julia, Florian Julia, Alexander Julia, Arthur Julia; and her five sisters, Lillian Gilbert, Adrienne Poulin, Bernadette Perry, Evangeline Vigue and Florence Sears.
She is survived by her children, Richard Cyr and wife MaryEtta, Jeanne Pelletier and husband Alan, Susan Cyr, Victoria Dute-Martinez and husband Nicholas, Andrew Cyr and wife Susan; many grand and great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, August 23, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial followed at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Cyr family.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.
MARY FESSENDEN
OAKLAND – Mary Fessenden died peacefully in her own home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, following a long fight with cancer.
Mary was very proud that she had earned her Massage Therapist certification in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 2010, and kept her Maine license current. She used her training and knowledge to start a small Maine business she called Mary’s Therapies. She loved helping people improve their health and live a more eco-friendly life style. She made soaps, lotions, bug sprays, and other custom products using all natural ingredients and essential oils.
Mary worked at Thomas College, in Waterville, for more than five years, where she was the face of the food service division and in close daily contact with the entire student body and staff. She was well known on the campus and loved by all. Her friendly demeanor, ready smile, and a hug when needed helped many an incoming freshman to adjust to the pace of campus life.
Before moving to Maine in 2012, Mary was a long-time resident of Norfolk, Virginia, where she ran the local VFW canteen for over 10 years. It was there that she met her future husband, Landon St. Peter. She was a lifetime member of VFW Auxiliary Post #3160, in Ocean View, Virginia, and was well respected in the veteran community for all her volunteer work and organizational skills.
Mary loved a party and she loved to cook for friends and family. A small gathering could become a major event because she wanted to invite everyone. A recent Easter dinner for 12 became dinner for 28 before everyone sat down to eat. Folding chairs and trays were rounded up, folks ate in the kitchen and living room and a great time was had.
Her wit and good nature will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life was held at Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland, Saturday August 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. Please share your memories and pictures on her memorial page https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-fessenden
Arrangements are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, ME 04963.
RONALD R. KENOYER
WHITEFIELD – Ronald Ross Kenoyer, 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Togus VA Medical Center, in Augusta. Ron was born on July 7, 1943, in Rockland, the son of Winfred and Muriel (Cunningham) Kenoyer.
Ron attended schools in Union, East Machias, and Mexico, where he graduated from high school in 1961. He went on to the University of Maine Orono in the college of education where he completed a degree in 1965.
A lifelong educator, Ron began his teaching career at East Corinth Academy and Lincoln Academy and then moved to Cony High School, in Augusta, where he worked for 32 years, first as a math teacher and driver education instructor and then as the athletic director. While at Cony, Ron was an assistant basketball coach and varsity baseball coach.
After the loss of his son Ross, he decided to focus on coaching younger children in his community. He coached many Whitefield teams in softball, baseball, and basketball and was a founding member of the Whitefield Athletic Association. For many years, he ran a summer basketball program for area youth and was instrumental in introducing many kids to track and field and gymnastics. Through his love of teaching and sports, he touched many lives, becoming a role model, mentor, and friend to students, players, and coaches alike.
Above all, Ron was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, whose greatest joy was spending time with his family. They always came first. His favorite place was a family camp on Alford Lake, in Hope, and he spent many years on the AL/LP Association Board. He loved collecting antiques and going on antiquing excursions with Pam and Patty and Paul Boisvert, and he was proud of the three early homes he and Pam restored. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and downhill skier in his younger years. He was a member of the Whitefield Lions Club and Water of Life Lutheran Church.
Ronald was predeceased by his son, Ross Kenoyer; sister, Suzanne Bolduc; and sister-in-law, Penny (Bill) Newman.
He leaves behind his wife, Pam; daughters, Kristen (Edward) Woodland, and their children, Ross (Sophie), Kara, Ian, Grant, and Luke Woodland, Lynn (Lars) Johnson, and their children, Amelia, Soren, and Anna Johnson, Sarah Warner, and her children Lillian and Wesley Warner, Kate (Pete) Wurster, and their son, Chase Wurster; sister, Karen (Lewis) Purinton; brother, Scott (Debbie) Kenoyer; sister-in-law, Patricia (Paul) Boisvert; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 2 p.m., at Water of Life Lutheran Church, 618 Route 1, Newcastle, Maine.
Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com .
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ron’s memory, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to the Whitefield Lions Club Scholarship Fund at 52 Main Street, Coopers Mills, ME 04341.
PAUL W. BRETON
HOLIDAY, Florida – Paul William Breton, 84, of Whitefield and Windsor, and then Holiday, Florida, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at home. Paul was born on September 15, 1938, to Michael and Leona Breton.
After graduating from Skowhegan High School, Paul served in the U.S. Army for a few years and received an honorable discharge. He returned from military service and married the love of his life, Nancy. Paul worked for Pine State Trading, of Augusta, until retiring in 2000. Then he started his own business and did that until 2020. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, golfing, boating, and playing the slots.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Leona Breton; his brothers Thomas (Mickey) Breton, Norman (Mike) Breton and his wife Kitty; his sisters, Natalie Pomelow and her husband Raymond, and Elaine Pomelow and her husband Nathan.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Breton; their children Glen Breton and his wife Karen, Paula Knowlton and her husband Raymond, and Anthony “Tony” Breton and his wife Rebecca; grandchildren Paul, Danielle, Krista, Anthony, Benjamin and Nicholas; and his great-granddaughters Ella, Kinsley, Roxie and Zoey.
A celebration of life will be held in the fall.
Contributions in Paul’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Association.
WILLIAM E. SCHIEBEL
WATERVILLE – William Edward Schiebel, 61, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. He was born on October 8, 1961, in Washington D.C. He grew up under the guidance of his loving parents, the late David and Phyllis Schiebel, and his grandparents, the late William and Clara Schiebel. His grandfather, the Rev. William Schiebel baptized him in 1961 and confirmed him in 1975 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C.
Shortly after high school graduation in 1979, he attended the University of D.C. and took architecture courses. Through his
employment at a trophy shop, in Bethesda, Maryland, he was connected to and served as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.
Bill went to summer camp as an adult volunteer shortly after that. He said he was told to pack for the weekend, hoped to remain there for a week, and stayed the summer, which started his decade of serving the Lord at Raven Rock Lutheran Camp as Resident Site Manager and Food Service Manager. During this time Bill continued his work as a Boy Scout volunteer for the National Capital Area Boy Scout Council.
Bill also participated in many Revolutionary War reenactments, and in a bowling league. When Jo came as a camp counselor,
that started a new chapter in his life. Bill and Jo were married in 1991.
Bill and Jo lived in Nebraska where they both attended Concordia University, Bill worked towards a B.A, in business, and Jo a Lutheran teacher certificate. During this time they were blessed with four children, Joshua, Miriam, Benjamin, and Caleb. Bill
and Jo served their community as foster parents, and provided family home daycare. Bill worked in manufacturing, making tailpipes and mufflers at Tenneco Automotive.
The family was called to serve Calvary Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. Once settled in their new church home, and in the community, Bill was employed by The Home Depot. Bill continued to excel as a kitchen designer for the company.
Bill served the congregation at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in many capacities, such as member and president of the Board of Trustees, and took on many projects within the property, and involved his family to complete those projects. He participated as a volunteer with the youth group and attended many retreats, VBS, and various events.
Bill and Jo decided to relocate the family to Maine, when planning for Jo’s retirement. They moved to Maine in 2020. Bill continued working for The Home Depot the next
three years through challenging health changes. Recently he was home on disability while recovering from an infection. During this recovery time he was able to attend church once again and his heart was joyful in the Lord. He had a deep faith and trusted God at every turn. He was taken home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Jo and his four children, Joshua, Miriam, Benjamin, and Caleb; his brother Rev. Peter Schiebel and family; and his sister Martha Steinbach and family; as well as many extended family members.
His funeral takes place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 a.m., at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 36 Cool St., Waterville, Maine.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
SONJA M. WILLIAMS
WATERVILLE – Sonja Marie Williams, loved and cherished, and forever missed by friends and family.
A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2 p.m., at Gateway Pentecostal Church, 363 Moosehead Trail, Newport. For full obituary please visit http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
by Gary Kennedy
The Palermo Planning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in the Town Office conference room.
by The Town Line staff
