William T. "Bill" Grimmer

William "Bill" T. Grimmer, 75, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on May 13, 1950, Bill was the son of William O. Grimmer and Mary (Jackman) Grimmer. He grew up in New Jersey, where he developed the values of hard work, humility, and kindness that defined his entire life. He graduated from DePaul Catholic High School and went on to study at the University of Notre Dame for both his undergraduate and law degrees. He then began a lifetime devoted to family, service, and community.

Bill dedicated his career to service as a prosecutor, known for his integrity, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication. He started with the Cass County Prosecutor's Office, before moving in 1983 to the U.S. Attorney's Office in South Bend. There, Bill relentlessly pursued justice. Colleagues respected him. Victims trusted him. And even those he prosecuted recognized his fairness and decency. His career was not just a job - it was a calling. Whether in his professional life or personal relationships, people trusted Bill - because he always did the right thing.

In 1976, Bill married Mary Conlon of LeRoy, NY, the love of his life and his steadfast partner for 49 years. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and kindness. Bill was a doting husband, devoted father, and adoring grandfather who took enormous pride in his family. His family will forever remember his generosity, acts of kindness, and sense of humor.

A man of deep faith, Bill was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend, where he found community, meaning, and a sanctuary. Throughout his life, he lived out his beliefs not just in words but in action - through service, generosity, and an ability to make others feel seen, cared for, and appreciated.

Bill had a way of making ordinary days special. In recent years, nothing brought him more joy than babysitting his granddaughter Elena ("Ellie"), whom he adored beyond measure. Those quiet mornings- reading to her, caring for her, simply being present - were among the happiest of his life. He enjoyed cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Buffalo Bills (and the Chicago Bears on occasion), and his favorite childhood team, the New York Yankees. More than anything, Bill valued time spent with family, especially if he was grilling out. Bill will be remembered as someone who was always doing things for others.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his son Patrick and daughter-in-law Concha; his granddaughter Elena. He is also survived by siblings Eileen Grimmer, Betty (Chris) Cronin, Maureen (Kevin) Conboy, Tom (Kathy) Grimmer, Kathie (Ron) Boczar, Rick (Davon-Marie) Grimmer, and Mary (Rick) Stine. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 5:00 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church 226 N. Hill St., South Bend, IN on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to the Hospice Foundation.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary nurses, physicians, and staff at Center for Hospice Care for their compassionate care during Bill's final days.

Bill will be deeply missed, but his love, faith, and integrity will continue to guide all who were blessed to know him. His memory will forever be a blessing.