William Gergich Jr obituary: William Gergich Jr's Obituary, Toledo

In Memory Of
William R. "Bill" Gergich Jr
1991 - 2022

Obituary photo of William Gergich Jr, Toledo-OH
Obituary photo of William Gergich Jr, Toledo-OH

In Memory Of
William R. "Bill" Gergich Jr
1991 - 2022

William R. Gergich, Jr, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022 following a car accident. Bill was born on March 12, 1991 to William (Bill) Sr and Penny (Hendricks) Gergich, who both survive him.

Bill attended St. Joan of Arc and Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 2009 with honors and was a recipient of the James Hornyak Award. He attended Bowling Green State University where he was a Brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Bill grew up active in all types of sports, playing football while at CCHS. He also loved music. He would grab his trombone at halftime to perform with the marching band.

Bill was a fierce protector of those fortunate enough to be loved by him. He had a huge heart, and took great joy in making others happy. His constant smile, big hugs, ability to talk about anything – especially sports – and his silly pun wars will be greatly missed. He was our gentle giant. He loved animals and enjoyed countless hours playing with them or visiting zoos. He was a huge Redwings, Walleye, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Bill was a pediatric cancer survivor, finishing treatment in 2005. This experience taught him the value of life, and to enjoy every moment, which he did. Due to his experience, Bill decided early in life to be an organ donor. His wishes were honored by Life Connections of Ohio, where his selflessness will help 125 people.

He is survived by, in addition to his parents, sister Ashley (Kameron) Niemi, Fiancee Kailey Keaton, Grandparents Cora Gergich, Ray and Marilyn Hendricks, Aunt Cheryl (Garry) Old, Uncle Bob (Sandy) Gergich, Aunt Robin (Dale) Brock, Cousins Leslie, Brandon, Kaitlyn, DJ, Maggie, Shawn, Emily, Alex, Blaire and Onyx, Special Uncle Ken (Jena) Fairchild, Best Friends Alex (Mallory) Wolf, Kody (Candace) Thomas, and fur buddies Barney, Lexi, Baron and Abby. He was preceded in death by Grandparent “Boppy” Thomas Gergich and Cousin Derek Gergich.

Visitation will be at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo 43614 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday, May 12, 2022. Funeral services will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo 43614. Visitation from 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM, when the Eulogy will be given by Uncle Garry Old. Mass at 11:00 AM with a luncheon at the Church to follow.

Bill was not a “formal” type of guy. To honor him and his love of sports, the family is asking anyone who would like to wear apparel of one of Bill’s favorite teams or the team/sport of your choice to both visitation and the funeral. Or if you prefer, just dress casually. Bill was more comfortable that way.

Bill was not a “fan” of flowers. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that if you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider The Lucas County Pit Crew, The Toledo Humane Society, The Toledo Zoo, Central Catholic High School – William Gergich Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund, or the charity of your choice.
William R. Gergich, Jr, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022 following a car accident. Bill was born on March 12, 1991 to William (Bill) Sr and Penny (Hendricks) Gergich, who both survive him.

Bill attended St. Joan of Arc and Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 2009 with honors and was a recipient of the James Hornyak Award. He attended Bowling Green State University where he was a Brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Bill grew up active in all types of sports, playing football while at CCHS. He also loved music. He would grab his trombone at halftime to perform with the marching band.

Bill was a fierce protector of those fortunate enough to be loved by him. He had a huge heart, and took great joy in making others happy. His constant smile, big hugs, ability to talk about anything – especially sports – and his silly pun wars will be greatly missed. He was our gentle giant. He loved animals and enjoyed countless hours playing with them or visiting zoos. He was a huge Redwings, Walleye, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Bill was a pediatric cancer survivor, finishing treatment in 2005. This experience taught him the value of life, and to enjoy every moment, which he did. Due to his experience, Bill decided early in life to be an organ donor. His wishes were honored by Life Connections of Ohio, where his selflessness will help 125 people.

He is survived by, in addition to his parents, sister Ashley (Kameron) Niemi, Fiancee Kailey Keaton, Grandparents Cora Gergich, Ray and Marilyn Hendricks, Aunt Cheryl (Garry) Old, Uncle Bob (Sandy) Gergich, Aunt Robin (Dale) Brock, Cousins Leslie, Brandon, Kaitlyn, DJ, Maggie, Shawn, Emily, Alex, Blaire and Onyx, Special Uncle Ken (Jena) Fairchild, Best Friends Alex (Mallory) Wolf, Kody (Candace) Thomas, and fur buddies Barney, Lexi, Baron and Abby. He was preceded in death by Grandparent “Boppy” Thomas Gergich and Cousin Derek Gergich.

Visitation will be at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo 43614 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday, May 12, 2022. Funeral services will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo 43614. Visitation from 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM, when the Eulogy will be given by Uncle Garry Old. Mass at 11:00 AM with a luncheon at the Church to follow.

Bill was not a “formal” type of guy. To honor him and his love of sports, the family is asking anyone who would like to wear apparel of one of Bill’s favorite teams or the team/sport of your choice to both visitation and the funeral. Or if you prefer, just dress casually. Bill was more comfortable that way.

Bill was not a “fan” of flowers. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that if you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider The Lucas County Pit Crew, The Toledo Humane Society, The Toledo Zoo, Central Catholic High School – William Gergich Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund, or the charity of your choice.

Services & Gatherings

Visitation

Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Newcomer - SW Toledo Chapel
4752 Heatherdowns Boulevard
Toledo, OH 43614
Directions & Map

Service

Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00am
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church

Southwest Chapel (419-381-1900) is assisting the family

Southwest Chapel (419-381-1900) is assisting the family

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