WILLIAM G. O'HARA

Nov. 22, 1948 - Oct. 27, 2012 EDWARDSBURG - William Guy "Bill" O'Hara II, 63, of Edwardsburg, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening at the home of his brother Tim, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on November 22, 1948, in South Bend, the oldest son of the late William Guy and Betty Jean (Potter) O'Hara.

Bill was a 1966 graduate of South Bend Washington High School and served three tours of duty in Vietnam in the United States Navy from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1972. He attended IUSB and later worked for Dodge Manufacturing and Reliance Electric in South Bend, then Dexter Axle and Keystone RV in Elkhart; and in car sales. Most recently, he had worked at Elkhart Brass for the past seven years.

Bill married Nancy (Cripe) Rodino on December 28, 2008, in Elkhart. She survives as well as his son, Billy (Sarah) O'Hara of Elkhart; daughter, Julie (Efrain) Ramirez of Elkhart; step-daughters, Nicole (Sean) Cantzler and Alisha (Pat) Brownewell of Elkhart; and a stepson, A.J. (Valentina Galli) Rodino of Highwood, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren, Collin and Blake O'Hara, Taylor Pieper, Bryce Ramirez, Brayden, Mady and Carmen Cantzler, Cole and Juno Brownewell, and baby Bella Ramirez, who is due in December. Also surviving are brothers, Chuck (Isabelle) Hackler of Detroit, Paul (Frances) O'Hara and Tim (Jean) O'Hara of Elkhart, Tom (Connie) O'Hara of Milwaukee, and his sister, Barb (Michael) Erhardt of Osceola, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A granddaughter, Kristen Cantzler, preceded him in death.

Bill was a great family man who dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed living on Juno Lake where he would fish with his son and grandsons and play golf with his brothers. Bill was a true follower of the Lord and attended and served at Granger Community Church, Granger Campus. Bill also gave the gift of sight by donating his eyes to the Indiana Lions Eye & Tissue Bank. He was an avid sports fan and followed the Notre Dame men's football and girls' basketball teams, as well as the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

In keeping with Bill's love for sports, please wear the colors or jersey of your favorite sports team to the gathering of family and friends that will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart. A memorial celebration of Bill's life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Granger Community Church, Elkhart Campus, 2701 E. Bristol Street in Elkhart, with visitation there one hour prior to the service. Pastor Mark Waltz will officiate. In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. Following Monday's services, burial will take place at Adamsville Cemetery in Edwardsburg, with military honors being rendered by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter #19. If friends so desire, memorials may be made to the Elkhart General Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Elkhart, IN 46515; to Michiana Hematology/Oncology, 500 Arcade Blvd., Ste. 240, Elkhart, IN 46514; or The Center for Hospice Care, 4220 Edison Lakes Pkwy, Ste. 210, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Bill's family wishes to thank Elkhart Brass, Michiana Hematology/Oncology, the Elkhart General Hospital, Dr. Jose Bufill, Jen Ewing, the Center for Hospice Care, Granger Community Church, and his brother, Tim (Jean) O'Hara, who cared for him during his final days. Condolences may reach the family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 31, 2012.

05/07/2023 EJS

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