William Phillip Wuehrmann passed into his eternal life July 8, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. He lived a purpose-filled and eventful life, filled with love, joy and sorrows, always with great concern for others.

Bill was born May 12, 1923, in Chicago, Ill., to Hans Fred Wuehrmann and Jennie Teresa Dalk.

He attended the Northwestern Military & Naval Academy, later serving as president for more than 25 years, and graduated from Carleton College.

He had a special place in his heart for young people, mentoring youth in his myriad activities, primary of which was the awarding of more than 50 scholarships to architectural students through the Pip Foundation in memory of his son, William Phillip Wuehrmann, Jr.

He was active in his children’s academic endeavors, served as president of the school board, was strongly involved in the American Field Service (AFS) program, supported the Rotary scholarship program, coached baseball, was the high school’s football photographer, and was donor of the Jason Award at Polk County High School.

He served in the U.S. Army for three years in the 292nd Field Artillery Observation Battalion in Europe during World War II.

Bill had a career as a highly respected Chicago businessman; in addition, a highlight for him was teaching at the University of Wisconsin.

An active member of the Tryon Presbyterian Church, Bill was ordained as a lay Presbyterian pastor in his mid-80s, and joyfully officiated at two of his grandchildren’s weddings.  He volunteered in the hospice program, serving as a chaplain.

Bill loved his retirement life in Tryon. In 2009, his involvements were acknowledged when he was given the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service Medallion.

Bill is survived by Fay, his wife of 69 years, two sons, Christopher (Rita) of Prescott, Arizona, and John (Wendy) of  Colorado Springs, Colo., and a daughter, Kyle Reed (Steve) of Elkhorn, Wisc., four grandsons, three granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, and his Italian AFS son Giorgio (Celina) Gregori. Bill and Fay were also lovingly supported by nephew Will and Charlotte Behrends. He was predeceased by his son, William Phillip, Jr., two sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, NC