AIKEN, SC – William Joseph Gerdeman, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 14, 2024, after a brief battle against cancer.
 Bill was born June 7, 1949, in Lima, Ohio to the late Donald Joseph Gerdeman and Cecilia Gerdeman. He lived most of his life in Ohio, residing in Kalida, Napoleon, and Fremont before moving to Aiken, SC five years ago. Bill received his Bachelor of Technology degree from University of Dayton and retired after 40 years as an engineer. He was V8 Manager for Cambell’s Soup & held multiple engineering roles with Heinz Ketchup. When he met his wife, Barbara, he jumped right in and raised her two boys as his own. He was a very proud Dad, never missing any of Neal’s Football games or Wrestling matches. Bill loved golf and scored his first hole in one last year. He was also a proud member of the Elks. Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, “Red Poppop” and brother.
 In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Mark.
 Survivors include his beloved wife of forty-six years, Barbara Sue Gerdeman; one son, Neal Gerdeman (Barbara); two stepsons, Todd Scheele and Tim Scheele; brothers, James Gerdeman (Mary-Jo), David Gerdeman (Pam), and Alan Gerdeman (Ruth) step-grandchildren Ashley Harter and Tyler Ackerman; step-great-grandchildren, Christopher, Emma, Ellis, and Penelope; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
 Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, 16085 Ohio-634, Fort Jennings, Ohio 45844, with a funeral service following at the funeral home at noon. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Kalida, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com