William Bichsel, Jr.

William J. Bichsel, Jr., 87, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on April 5, 2018 following a period of declining health.

Born in his family home in New Philadelphia on May 30, 1930, he was the son of the late William J. Bichsel, Sr. and Martha (Kennedy) Bichsel. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1948, Bill served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Upon his honorably discharge from service, Bill continued his formal education at The Ohio State University, here he met his future wife, the former Patricia A. Mortley. On St. Patrick’s Day of 1956, they were wed and later were blessed with the birth of 6 children.

Bill joined his father’s company, The Goshen Dairy Co. established in 1920, upon completion of his formal education in 1956 as the plant manager. At the time of his father’s death, Bill became the president/general manager of the New Philadelphia company until his retirement in 1996.

Bill was a former member of the corporate board of AAA in Tuscarawas County. He was also the past president and treasurer of the Ohio Dairy Products Association and the B.P.O.E #510. Other memberships included the Ohio State Alumni Association, the New Philadelphia Rotary Club, the Quaker Club, and Jaycees. Bill served as a board member with Bank One, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and the Tuscarawas County Cancer Society. Additionally, he was a past director with the Tuscarawas County YMCA.

Most importantly, Bill loved spending time with his family and friends, whether he was fishing with his sons in Canada, or playing Poker with his friends. Bill also was an avid OSU fan and enjoyed being on the golf course or delivering mobile meals with Patti.

Bill will be deeply missed by his wife, Patti, of 62 years; his children, Mary Beth (Ray) Markley and Bill (Dru) Bichsel III, all of New Philadelphia, Brian (Chris) Bichsel of Westerville, Mark (Sandy) Bichsel of Powell, Barbara (Don) Ferren of Charlotte, NC, and Mike Bichsel of Lexington; his grandchildren, Darcie, Emily (Zach), Josh, Jennifer, Dan, Tommy, Jack, Stephen, Laura, Justin, Clara, Janie, Allison, Patrick, and Gavin; great-grandchildren, Carter and Gracyn; his dog, Charlie and his siblings, Jerry (Tyke) Bichsel and Carol (Mark Preusser) Bichsel, both of New Philadelphia; siblings-in-law, Rusty (Gina) Mortley and Donna Clawson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Foster; and his step-mother, Evelyn Bichsel.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 8, 2018 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Bill’s nephew, Father Tyron Tomson, will lead a service on Monday beginning at 1:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park where the New Phila VFW will render military honors.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.