William Wentworth "Bill" Willer

1929 - 2011

William (Bill) Wentworth Willer, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, left to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 9, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was 82 years old. We know that welcoming him at Heaven's gate were his beloved wife, Dorothy, and his two children, Lynn and Todd. Bill was born on June 15, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Walter and Pearl Willer. It was at the age of 16 that he was introduced to the girl that would capture his heart, Dorothy Culver. They were married on April 29, 1950, and were blessed with four children. They came to California in 1960, and in 1965 chose Simi Valley as the place to raise their family. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. Bill was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder for many years and was also an active member of their senior group.

Prior to his retirement he worked for Knapp Communications as circulation director. He was an avid sports enthusiast and actively participated in numerous sports in his youth including two years with the New York Yankees farm team and trying out for the Olympic speed skating team, but golfing became his true passion.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rodger; his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Lynn; and son, Todd. He is survived by daughter, Lori Cruze (husband, Mike); son, Dennis Willer (wife, Debbie); daughter-in-law, Karen Willer and son-in-law, Dave Olsen; his nine grandchildren: Jeremy, Sonya (husband, Brendan), Adam, Ryan (wife, Katie), Amy, Derek (wife, Melanie), Joshua, Brennen, Jessica; and his four great-grandchildren: SaraLynn, Addison, Ferynne and Jack. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be sent to the American Cancer Society in his memory. Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2949 Alamo St., Simi Valley. Assisting with arrangements is the family owned and operated Rose Family Funeral Home and Cremation of Simi Valley, 581-3800.