WILLIAM BOESCHENSTEIN

1925 - 2017

BOESCHENSTEIN--William

Wade "Bill." September 7, 1925 - February 25, 2017. William Wade "Bill" Boeschenstein passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017 while playing golf with friends on Jupiter Island, Florida. He was 91 years old. A highly respected business and civic leader, Bill was born on September 7, 1925 in Edwardsville, IL to Elizabeth Wade and Harold Boeschenstein. In 1930 Bill and his parents moved to Toledo, OH, where his father was a founder and the first chief executive officer of Owens Corning, the world's leading manufacturer of fiberglass insulation and other construction related products. Bill attended high school at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. He served as a lieutenant in the Army Air Force in World War II and then graduated from Yale University in 1950 with a degree in industrial administration. Upon graduation from Yale, Bill went to work for Owens Corning, eventually moving into the top ranks of the company and serving as chief executive officer from 1973 to 1990 and chairman from 1981 to 1990. On November 23, 1953, Bill married the former Josephine "Molly" Moll of Grosse Pointe, MI. They shared a remarkable love for one another and were extraordinary partners over a marriage of 62 years. Together they raised four sons. Bill had an enduring sense of service and was deeply involved in a number of outside professional, civic and charitable activities, too numerous to mention. In particular, he was deeply committed to the Toledo community. A friend observed that wherever he went Bill ended up taking on leadership roles, frequently without requesting them. Bill lived fully and graciously throughout his life. He was known as a man of exceptional kindness, honesty and integrity. He treated everyone with respect. He was also an exceptionally devoted husband and dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to express his love for all. Outside of family and business, Bill's great passion was the game of golf. He was a member of Augusta National and other golf courses. He never tired of the game and constantly sought to improve his performance. After retirement, Bill and Molly made their primary home in Hobe Sound, FL. Surviving are his sons William, Jr., Michael, Peter, and Stephen; sister, Nancy Boeschenstein Fessenden; brother Harold Boeschenstein, Jr.; 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Services are planned for Hobe Sound, FL and Toledo, OH. The service in Hobe Sound will be held at the Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island at 10:30am on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Plans are pending in Toledo, OH. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Toledo Museum of Art, the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation in Jupiter, FL or the Martin Health Foundation in Stuart, FL.