William Lohmeyer

OBITUARY William ?Bill? Ryland Lohmeyer was born on March 7, 1939 in Oakland, Nebraska, the son of Louis and Carolyn (Saf) Lohmeyer. Bill grew up on a farm near Mt. Lake, MN. He learned at a young age the meanings of hard work and overachieving by living with a life long hip dysplasia disability. He helped his parents on their farm and at the age of 13 Bill purchased his first tractor and bailer to start custom bailing for local farmers. Bill worked hard on the farm and at school graduating on the Honor?s List at Mountain Lake High School. After high school and at the age of 19 he saved enough money to buy his first of many farms over the years. Bill also worked for Conklin Products many years in Minneapolis, MN in sales and marketing. He again worked hard to gain customers and market share in his area. Bill married Lavonne Kluver in August 16, 1957. Together they had four children: Lori, Gina, Tami, and Chad. In 1978 he moved his family to Tulsa OK to be closer to the oil business. Bill married Betty Smentowski on June 13, 1993. Bill lovingly took care of Betty during her long battle with cancer. She died in May of 1999. Bill met Caroline Guinn with the help of his minister?s wife on a Sunday after a church service. After a few wonderful dates with Caroline, Bill proposed and married her in December of 1999. Soon after their marriage, Bill took another set back in his life in stride, with the loss of his eyesight. Although he missed carpentry work, fishing, hunting and looking at his wife and children, Bill learned how to live with this disability as well. With Bill?s trust in God and the help of Caroline he was soon starting new business adventures and talking on the phone again. Bill was a great provider for his family and was kind to everyone. He was involved with many business adventures throughout his life. While some were good and some not-so- good, he always learned from his mistakes and moved forward. He knew many people all over the United States and touched many hearts over the years. He was a very social man with a charismatic way about him. He loved people and knew how to see the best in all of them. Bill was able to spend a wonderful Christmas Holiday and an 11th Wedding Anniversary with the ones he loved the most in Tulsa last week. Bill had felt fortunate with his life and cherished the time he had with the ones he loved the most. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. William R. Lohmeyer died on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at his home at the age of 71 years. He is survived by his loving wife Caroline Lohmeyer of Alexandria, MN; children: Lori (Fernando) Maez of Tulsa, OK; Gina Lohmeyer of Catoosa, OK; Tami (Troy) Peterson of Tulsa, OK; Chad Lohmeyer of Catoosa, OK; grandchildren: Allisha Dewey of Kellyville, OK; Chase Lohmeyer of Tulsa, OK; Anthony Lohmeyer-Maez of Tulsa, OK; Fernando, Jr. (Erika) Maez of Broken Arrow, OK; Luis (Jennifer) Maez of Glenpool, OK; great grandchildren: Chance Legrand; Dominic, Valarie & Emma Maez; brothers Gerald Lohmeyer of Vancouver, WA; Ed Lohmeyer of Dell Rapids, SD; stepchildren: Tammy Guinn of Springfield, MO; Carrie (Eric) Hodge of Walnut Shade, MO; Frank (Theresa) Smentowski of Tulsa, OK; Larry (Rose) Smentowski of Tulsa, OK; Monica (Jeff) Barksdale of Edmond, OK; Mary (Dean) Hatch of Tulsa, OK; Liz Smentowski of Dolan Springs, AZ; Marc (Wendy) Lohmeyer of Tulsa, OK; and 10 step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; 2nd wife Betty Lohmeyer; and stillborn (twin) daughter Traci Lohmeyer. A funeral service was held on Monday, January 3, 2011 at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria with Pastors John Taplin and Jeremy Schneider officiating. Sue Ronning played the organ, Stephannie & Megan Gertkenand played the violins and the New Life Christian Men?s Quartet sang special music. Interment was in the Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Casket Bearers were Chad Lohmeyer, Brent Lohmeyer, Troy Peterson, Larry Hildebrandt, Jim Richardson, and David Andert. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.andersonfuneral.net