William “Bill” Gerber Jr., of Portage, passed away Friday March 30, 2007 at the VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 71.

He was born Sept. 18, 1935, the oldest son of William Stewart and Mary Gerber, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by a brother, Albert Gerber of Valparaiso; two sisters, Christie J. (Duke) Nowland of Morgantown, Ind. and Catherine G. Coker of Portage; closest friends, Edwin and Monica Stillman; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Carole Gerber, sister-in-law, Sandy Gerber and a nephew, Todd Gerber.

William was a life-long Portage resident, a 1954 graduate of Portage High School and a member of Portage First Church of the Nazarene. He worked for 40 years in the Bearing Division at McGill’s in Valparaiso. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed the Chicago Bears and the Indy 500 race. He was involved with his nephews who wrestled and played ball and his nieces that swam. He was “Papa Bill” to Lisa and Mark’s kids.

A memorial service, Richard D. Davis officiating, will be at noon Tuesday, April 3 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at Noon. Interment of ashes will follow at McCool Cemetery.

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Posted 4/2/2007