Search by Name

Search by Name

Wilber Bemis Obituary

Wilber Guy Bemis Jr. September 28, 1931 February 18, 2018 Wilber Guy Bemis, Jr., known to friends and family as Bill, passed away on February 18, 2018, at the age of 86 years. Bill was loved by so many; he was a true 'jack of all trades' with a lifelong passion for learning, helping, teaching and singing. He was born September 28, 1931, in Minneapolis Minn., to Wilber and Martha Bemis, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in psychology, and was married to Jean Winter Bemis in 1959. He served his country by devoting his career to the armed forces. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1956. He was called to active duty in 1957, and was integrated into the Regular Army in 1965, following service at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (twice), the Pentagon, Redstone Arsenal, Inchon South Korea, Fort Devens, Camp Perry, Fort Lee, and Giessen Germany. After being promoted to Major in 1966, he then continued his service in Hanau Germany, Fort Lee (again), Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and Aberdeen Proving Ground (again.) Following a diagnosis of diabetes, he was medically retired from the U.S. Army, and moved to State College where he lived the rest of his life. Some of the things Bill was proudest of were his singing with choral groups wherever he and his family lived (including 42 years with the State College Choral Society), his work with the Boy Scouts of America, his active participation in the PaMUG, his involvement with the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Banner Committee, his work training amateur radio users (hams), and his extensive travel (he had visited all 50 states and 32 different countries.) Bill was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg. In addition to his wife, Jean, Bill is survived by his sons Guy and Dale, daughters-in-law Jean and Cory, and grandchildren Marlaina, Alyssa, Devin and Nathan. A celebration of his life will be held in late Spring.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Feb. 20, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilber Bemis

Not sure what to say?





We miss you Uncle Bill! Your grin and sense of humor made us also grin.

John and Jan Kvitrud

February 14, 2023

Here's my favorite photo I took of my Uncle Bill in the 1980s. I grew up idolizing my cousins/his sons, and I always marveled at his ability to turn every interaction with a store clerk or service provider into a social celebration. I make change like a boss at any checkout counter, optimize the burner under a pan on the stove, and seek out White Castle whenever I get back to Minnesota as my small but continuous reminders of him. I'm incredibly fortunate to have had a second loving father figure in my life. Bill gave freely of himself; his time and his talents, always learning and always teaching.

David Schmidt

Family

April 3, 2021

Glad I got the email reminder as it is good to stop - and reflect- on how much you love and miss friends and family. Thank you and love to you Bill as you are not forgotten.

PAUL RUTSCHKY

Neighbor

February 14, 2019

Condolences to the Bemis family for your loss. I knew Bill through the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity in State College where Bill helped out with the chapter house maintenance. He always had a great attitude and I enjoyed our conversations and an grateful for his brotherhood.

Steve Young

August 26, 2018

Sincerest sympathy from the State College Elks, through which Mr. Bemis interacted during events of Cub Scout Pack 82.

Bob Kidder

April 19, 2018

Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Brian

Brian Dempsey

March 20, 2018

Auntie Jean and family, I still remember trips to the state fair. Also, introducing the great nieces to White Castle. We had so much fun!

Janet Kvitrud

February 22, 2018

To Bill's family and friends: it was a great pleasure to have him as a member of the SCCS for so many years. He was a wonderful asset to the bass section, he will be sorely missed. R Steven Houtz, formerly section leader

R Steven Houtz

February 21, 2018

Bemis Family,
Heaven has welcomed a Great Man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jean and your beautiful family. Bill leaves us many great memories. We feel blessed that we were a small part of his life.

The Ahrens Family

Nancy Ahrens

February 21, 2018

I am so sorry about the loss of your love one we have the hope of a resourrections this is at acts24-15-16- and that there will be no more death this is at revs 21-3-4- you can find this is in your bible

Maxine

February 21, 2018

Dear Jean and family,
Sending you all love and prayers as you grieve the loss of Bill.
Sincerely, Betsy Tanabe

Betsy Tanabe

February 21, 2018

We will miss you Uncle Bill! John and Jan

Janet Kvitrud

February 20, 2018

Much sympathy to all of you. Bill was a wonderful nurturing presence for all of us kids in the neighborhood and in Scouts. He taught us many good lessons with laughter and songs.

Bill Patton

February 20, 2018

Jean, I was truly heartsick to learn today of Bill's passing. He was a true gentleman and a beloved friend of mine, Wayne and all of us who ran Gnomon Copy. We all looked forward to his almost daily visits because of his Beautiful smiling face and genuine warmth of friendship. We learned something new from him with every visit. My heart is sad today. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family with sincere sympathy. Bill is someone to forever celebrate.

Skip Brightbill

February 20, 2018

Jean, Sorry to hear of Bill's death. Enjoyed his time of activity in tahe Nittany Amateur Radio Club. He stopped by my work place a lot in the Meteorology Dept. I will miss his cheery greetings.

Richard Thompson

February 20, 2018

Dear Jean,
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May your faith, your family and friends,and many memories sustain you.
Fond memories of our time together in State College.
Roxanna and Harry Muthersbaugh

Harry and Roxanna Muthersbaugh

February 20, 2018

I will miss you Bill. You were a good man.

Paul Rutschky

February 20, 2018

Bill was quite knowledgeable and charming. We will miss him.

John Conklin

February 20, 2018

It was a pleasure singing for so many years with Bill in the State College Choral Society. He had such a sense of humor and unwavering dedication, even as his eye sight progressively deteriorated. We will all miss him.

Rogers McLane

February 20, 2018

Our sympathies to Jean and family.

Nancy & Lew Rodrick

February 20, 2018

Jean and Family, So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I hope that the memories and wonderful things that Bill accomplished will help you through this difficult time.

Shirley Heidrich

February 20, 2018

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Wilber Bemis's name

Memorial Events
for Wilber Bemis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Wilber's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Wilber Bemis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more