William F. Kemle

William (Bill) F. Kemle, 81, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Cleveland Metro Hospital. He was born November 28, 1943 in Mansfield, OH the son of Fred C. and Dorothy Ann (Sherman) Kemle. His interests while growing up included playing hockey, golf and snow skiing. He was a member of his high school golf team and became such an accomplished skier that he eventually joined the Ski Patrol at Snow Trails. During high school he would work as a caddy and won many awards as a member of the golf team.

Bill married his first wife Nancy Keller (Dhom) and then the Vietnam War called, ironically Bill found himself in Korea working in army finance and accounting. Upon returning, Bill & Nancy had three children, Laura Lynn, William Brian & Julia Anne. He started working for the Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company as an industrial engineer. Other jobs included owning and operating a Dairy King with his first wife, Nancy, as well as becoming an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker. Bill later moved to Indianapolis to work at Harman Motive as a packaging engineer. He met his second wife, Patricia Clark, when at a nightclub then danced the night away. He quickly welcomed and grew to love her children, Heather Anne and Sean Patrick, as his own.

Bill had a lifelong love affair with Lake Erie having the good fortune of parents and relatives who were some of the first home builders in the Gem Beach area of Catawba Island. Here he learned to appreciate perch and walleye and, like his father, fell in love with Lyman boats. “Lyman Bill” took meticulous care of his crafts using his exceptional wood working and finishing skills and delighted in bringing the wonders of Lake Erie to his children, grandchildren & friends. He was an avid fisherman and many of the fish he caught over the years were shared with family and friends over his special frozen margaritas.

Always the sentimental storyteller, Bill relished the times he could share tales of his and his brother Bob’s exploits. He wasn’t afraid to shed a tear every now and again during these narrations and often could hardly contain a deep contagious belly laugh. His eyes truly were the windows to his soul and held the attention of his listeners.

After Bill retired, he and Pat wintered at Blue Crab Key on Pine Island in Florida. Bill took up saltwater fishing and pickleball making many cherished friends along the way. Often, he would weave their exploits into his storytelling as well. Hosting happy -hour outside their front door on many evenings with pretzel rods and drinks, he relished the time he got to spend with such special folks.

Bill was truly in his element while summering at Lake Erie. Whether walking around or driving the golf cart, there was hardly a person Bill crossed paths with that he didn’t know. He had the wonderful ability to recognize and remember the names of people he grew up with and met through the years, even if it had been a very long time.

Bill is survived by his wife: Patricia Clark (Babrick); his children: William B. (Penny) Kemle of Arrington, TN, Julia A. Kemle of Winter Garden, FL; Heather A. (Steve) Douglas of Indianapolis, IN; Sean P. (Heather) Clark of Richmond, IN; grandchildren: Breck Douglas, Timothy Douglas, Paige Clark, Brian Kemle, Chandler Clark, Anna Kemle and Tyler Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Robert C. Kemle.

Celebrations of Bill’s Life was held at the Ohio cottage on Gem Beach August 30 @1-4pm, and will be held in Indianapolis at St. Pius X Catholic Church on September 19 @ 12-2:30pm and in Bokeelia, Florida in Spring 2026 (date yet to be determined).

Memorial contributions may be given to the National Wildlife Federation or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .