William Oehme

William (Bill) Henry Oehme, 88, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends, who will miss him dearly.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He was born in Roselle Park, New Jersey, on March 13, 1935, to Jenny (Gregory) and Henry Oehme. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in industrial arts at Montclair Teachers College in 1959. He married the love of his life, Barbara Frances Kaminski, on June 11, 1960. They had three children: William John, Karen Lynn, and Deborah Ann.

Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina and then in the National Guard. He worked as a cabinet maker and a high school industrial arts teacher for several years. In 1970 he moved his family to Boca Raton, Florida, becoming a proud part of the diaspora from the Garden State to the Sunshine State. There, he started his own business as an interior contractor. He designed the interiors of many beautiful homes in South Florida for loyal clients who stayed with him for years. He also built his own dream home on the Intracoastal Waterway, a lovely testament to his skill and artistry, where his family lived for decades.

Bill loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, and traveling with his wife and family. He was happy any time he could be on his beloved Atlantic Ocean. He had a passion for music and played the piano by ear with remarkable skill, amazing people at parties and gatherings with his extraordinary talent. He had an earthy sense of humor and a generous spirit. He cared for his wife at home for many years after she suffered a stroke, without hesitation or complaint. He also rescued several dogs over the years who adored and trusted him in return. He was a friend to all animals.

Bill was a lifelong believer in mentorship and learning from others. He learned his craft in the 1950s from Mr. Vincent, who took him under his wing as a young apprentice. Bill passed on his knowledge and wisdom to his children and grandchildren, who looked up to him as a role model. He taught them how to fish, drive, boat, and handle life's challenges with grace and integrity. He was a wonderfully stubborn soul who believed life was a party, one that he did not want to leave. He meant the world to us and we will miss him immensely.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; his parents Jenny and Henry; his twin brother Robert; and his nephew Christopher. He is survived by his children William (Diane), Karen (Nat), and Deborah (Pete); his grandchildren Sarah (Brian), Mark (Tyler), Julia, Christina, Paul, and Brent; and his dear friend Lily.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. The family is grateful to the VNA Hospice House for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach.