William R. "Bill" Mann

Our father was quite a fighter. After years of battling COPD and living with a damaged heart that was a head scratcher for his doctors, it is now with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William ‘Bill’ Mann, a tireless worker, always humble at heart, and a faithful and loyal friend to so many. He was our “Stubborn German Patriarch.”

William R. Mann, age 85 of Mentor, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was born April 18, 1940, in Chesterland, Ohio, to the late William and Regina Mann and the brother of Ruth Hanish. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty (Ostenkamp) Mann, and his children Brian (Tisha), Emily, Katelyn, Brayden Mann, Karena (Brian), Cody (Sarah), Jordan, Brady Nolan, Jennifer (Dennis), Madison, and Matthew Andres. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Carson and Wyatt Nolan, as well as a loving sister-in-law, Charlene (Ostenkamp) Armenti of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a graduate of West Geauga High School, where he was a standout athlete on the football and baseball fields as well as the track and field team. Following high school, Bill joined the Marine Corps Reserves. He then worked 40+ years at the Glastic Corporation in South Euclid, Ohio, where he was well respected and made friendships of a lifetime.

Throughout his middle-aged years, he excelled on the softball diamond, was an avid golfer, and a competitive bowler. Bill was the original ‘Carnie Guy’!!

Our father was not fond of water, drinking it, or especially the ocean, but for over 23 years, he participated in the annual family vacation to the Outer Banks, NC. Through all his rueful comments about being there, one could not doubt his love for his family and the enjoyment of quality time with his children and grandchildren. A tradition we will continue to carry on for our mother, and there will always be a bag of small chocolate frosted donuts on the table. Bill had the rare gift of being witty and funny without trying, which is magnetic. Through his passing, his reserved, almost sinister personality provided a realization of our family strength. The bond he has created allows each of us to process God’s plan and deal with it in our own ways, knowing that family is always present. Our tears will come in waves these coming days, but our father’s rye smile will accompany them because of all the wonderful memories we carry.

In lieu of flowers, our family encourages you to cherish, unite, and strengthen your families. Our father did just that.

Our father had chosen not to have a service at this time. He “did not care for them, and he is not going to subject his family and friends to the same.” Instead, a celebration of life will be held later to honor his memory and wonderful life.