William "Bill" Schermele

Bill Schermele, 83, of Great Falls, passed away, Wednesday, June 17, 2015 after a long and fulfilling life.A funeral service will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 at 12:00 noon at St. Anns Cathedral. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Bill was born August 28, 1931 in Great Falls. His life truly began when he met the love of his life, Pia Matteucci, while in high school. Bill and Pia were married in 1951 and began a family a couple years later. Bill and Pia were married for 64 years, setting a great example of a loving marriage for their children and grandchildren.After high school, Bill went to work for AT Klemens as an apprentice sheet metal worker. He later went to work for Reber Sheet Metal Company. During the 60s, his work with Reber took him from Santa Maria, California to North Dakota following the construction of Minute Man missile sites.Bill and his family returned to Great Falls in 1965 where he continued to reside until his death. He took great pleasure in the fact that he was able to work with his brother Jim, at Falls Plumbing and Heating, and brother Bern, at BC Schermele Construction. After he retired from his trade, he was able to return to fishing on a full time basis and also enjoyed building furniture.Bill started skiing in his 40s and quickly became addicted to the sport. Many good times were had on the ski hill with family and friends.Bill was an avid reader, and loved music, especially the classical genre. Bill and Pia enjoyed the Great Falls symphony and made weekly trips to the "public" Library. Bills memory was incredible. He loved telling stories and always had a joke.Family dinners were full of laughter, good food and plenty of wine. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Some of his fondest memories involve sitting as the patriarch at the head of the table surrounded by his family.Bill is survived by his wife Pia; children Jim (Janice) Schermele, Karen (Ed) Venetz, Greg (Shirley) Schermele, and Kathy (Kent) Funyak; grandchildren Dan (Sarah) Schermele, Leslie Venetz, Bryan (Liz) Schermele, Nick (Tess) Venetz, Erin Schermele, and Megan Schermele; great grandchild Isaac Schermele; siblings Jim Schermele, Patti (Pat) Tracy, Bern (Jodie) Schermele, Chic Nebel; and many beloved nieces and nephews.Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucy Schermele; sister Joan Nebel; brother Dickie Schermele; nephew Chad Tracy; and sister-in-law Sally Schermele.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Great Falls "public" Library, 301 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401 or Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.