William L. Kaetzer

William L. Kaetzer, 77 years old, passed away at 12:55 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Walkerton.  Bill was born on September 27, 1945 in South Bend to the late Louis A. and Evelyn E. (Eller) Kaetzer.  He has remained a lifelong resident.  On August 20, 1966 in South Bend, Bill and Phyllis C. Clemans were united in marriage.  Phyllis preceded him in death on September 10, 2013 after 47 years of marriage.  Also preceding him in death was his son, Brian William Kaetzer, on July 25, 2023.

Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Brent Perkins of South Bend; daughter-in-law, Mary A. Kaetzer of South Bend; six grandchildren, Cara (Kody) Manns, Chad (Kellie) Miller, Cody Kaetzer, Caitlin Kaetzer, Anna Logan, and Cole Logan; and one sister, Janet Carson of Virginia. Bill is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren.

Bill was the former owner and operator of Flowers by Stephen.  He enjoyed and appreciated serving our community in times of joy and in times of sorrow. He was a kind and gentle soul who truly loved people. His gift for gab will be remembered fondly. Bill worked a second career as a projectionist and deeply loved that profession as well. He often took his children and their friends to work with him to watch movies. He loved the Chicago Cubs his entire life. He wore Cubs gear nearly every day. He watched the Cubs win the World Series with his family and told anyone who would listen that it was one of the best days of his life. Bill also had a passion for sailing. His family has many great memories out on his boat with him. Bill loved sweets and ate dessert whenever possible. Bill's super power was the amazing ability to worry about nothing! He was always happy, smiling, and laughing. When asked how he did this, he said "Worrying won't help, everything will always be okay, and life is to be enjoyed." May we all be like Bill. He will be deeply missed by all who were so fortunate to know him.

Private services will be held.  Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of William L. Kaetzer may be  donated to American Heart Association, 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL  60606.  Online condolences may be offered to Bill’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.