William E. "Bill" Kirchmeier

William E. (Bill) Kirchmeier, Jr. went home to God on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at the age of 78 years. The son of William and Mary (Bodwin) Kirchmeier, Bill was born and raised in Bismarck, ND, graduating from St. Mary's High School. Always interested in science, he represented his school and North Dakota twice at the National Science Fair, receiving national recognition from the Air Force for radar and rocket projects. He achieved Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Boy Scout levels.

After receiving his BSME from the University of Notre Dame, class of '62, he began his professional career with NASA, as a rocket controls engineer, working on Apollo and Viking programs helping develop the fluorine ignition system still in use. He earned a Masters degree from the University of Toledo and his P.E. License while with NASA. In 1974 he joined Gilbert Commonwealth in Jackson, MI, working in the power and industrial division, developing power plant implosion simulation plans. Before starting his own Consulting and Investigative Engineering firm in 1993, he served as Superintendent of Project Engineering at Lansing BWL. He published numerous engineering articles and technical briefs during his career.

He was a devoted husband to his college sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Ann. Father to daughter Lisa Marie and sons Bill III (Cheryl) and Greg (Patty). Grandfather to eight treasured grandchildren, Wendy Thompson, Kyle, Joshua, Ellen, Cassie, Paul, Chloe, and Maggie Kirchmeier. Also survived by two sisters Jane (Pat) Bosch and Susan (Harley) Henry, both of Bismarck and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was a private pilot, soloing at age 20, a 60+yr. member of EAA (membership #275), ham radio operator, avid fisherman and musician. He and Ann loved RVing, world travel, ballroom dancing, Dixieland music, Notre Dame football, and especially, sunsets from their cottage deck at Duck Lake with a good beverage in hand. He was an enthusiastic story-teller, often with rich embellishment and never let the truth stand in the way of a good story. He leaves his family many great memories of a life well lived and generously shared.

The family wishes to thank Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their compassionate care and special caregiver Necole for brightening his days.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Sunday, February 3 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm with a Scripture Service at 4:30 pm lead by Deacon Mike McCormick. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, February 4 at 2:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chas Canoy as the Celebrant. Internment will take place at Clarence Center Cemetery on Tuesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to the Lingap Children's Foundation, PO Box 1553, Jackson, MI 49204 or online at www.lingapcenter.org would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 129 years