Billie F. Counterman

Billie F. “Bill” Counterman, 92, of Hoagland, Indiana passed away Sunday evening, December 9, 2018, at his home.

He was born on August 3, 1926 in Laotto, Indiana to the late Clarence O. Counterman and the late Lesta (Meyer) Counterman. He married Lorine Scheumann on September 25, 1948 at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen and she preceded him in death on September 5, 2018.

Bill served in the United States Navy during WW II in the Pacific Theater. He was inducted into active duty on December 2, 1944 and honorably discharged on August 19, 1946.

He was a 1944 graduate of Hoagland High School where he was an accomplished basketball player on the high school team. Following his military service, he worked as a finisher at Luginbill Wire Die and as an agent for Standard Oil for 20 years. He then joined The Molding Company in Hoagland as a mechanic, where he retired after 10 years.

Bill was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen where he was a former member of the Men’s Club. He was also a member of the HAAA (Hoagland Area Advancement Association) and the American Legion. Bill also served his community as a volunteer fireman in Hoagland for many years.

Bill enjoyed fishing, IU Basketball, playing cards, the sporting activities of his children and grandchildren, and visits from friends and family.

He is survived by daughters, Lois (Jim Levy) Counterman of Traverse City, MI & Donna Jackson of Markle, IN; son, Rex (Cathi) Counterman of Fort Wayne, IN; daughter, Tari Emenhiser of Hoagland, IN; daughter-in-law, Annie Counterman of Fort Wayne, IN; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Counterman; two brothers, Eugene & Dow Counterman; and a son-in-law, Joey Jackson.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 13, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen with Pastor Peter Brock officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Bingen.

Family & friends will be received from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen or Honor Flight NE Indiana.