William W. Druckenmiller

William W. "Bill" Druckenmiller, 97, of Oak Harbor, Ohio, died Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, Ohio. He was born in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio on September 16, 1910, the son of William & Amelia (Schelhase) Druckenmiller, and later moved to Salem Township where he grew up on the family farm. Bill graduated from Salem-Oak Harbor High School in 1929, worked several jobs through the depression, and later started selling insurance, forming his own agency in 1936. At age 30, Bill was called to serve his country. He entered the U.S. Army and served as a Captain with honor in Europe earning many awards including the Silver Star and Purple Heart. In December 1945, he returned to the United States and continued for a number of years to command a National Guard Unit in Oak Harbor, and training at Camp Perry and Camp Aterbury. In 2005, Bill authored a book entitled "Old Hickory" detailing his World War II experiences and service under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the war, Bill returned to rebuild his Insurance Agency and continued to work until his "retirement" in 2005 at the age of 95. He was proud of his Charter membership in the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, having served as club president and eventually, a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, where he was active in the Senior Choir for many years. Bill also served as past president of the Ottawa County Independent Insurance Agents Association, past commander of American Legion Post #114 and was a member of V.F.W. Post #8732. Bill enjoyed his farm, boating, fishing, and an occasional golf game. He especially cherished spending time with his family and following the activities of his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Frances, along with two sons, David (Karen) Druckenmiller of Louisville, Kentucky, and Paul (Kathy) Druckenmiller of Oak Harbor; six grandchildren: Chris, Heather, Jason, Justin, Michelle, and Nathan, and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends after 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 23, 2008 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday. Rev. Keith Hunsinger will officiate, and interment will be in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor where American Legion Post #114 and V.F.W. Post #8732 will conduct military graveside rites. Those giving memorial contributions may wish to consider the Choir Fund or the Endowment Trust Fund of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, or Stein Hospice, Sandusky, Ohio. Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, is handling arrangements for the family. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH