Arthur William "Bill" Nimmer

Arthur William “Bill” Nimmer, 85, of Fond du Lac, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 12, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children.



He was born on May 11, 1936, in Fond du Lac, WI, son of the late Arthur and Ethyl (Clough) Nimmer.



After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for seven years. Bill had an unbeatable work ethic and loved to learn, and his life and career reflected that. He worked as an Electrical Lineman for Henckels and McCoy, was a Lab Technician at Mercury Marine’s Experimental Lab, Shop Foreman at Giddings and Lewis Machine Tools, and Service Manager at Perry’s Marine until 1981 when he started his own business at the age of 45. He founded Nimmer Marine Service in June 1981 and was proud to have each of his 3 sons, his granddaughter, and his wife Gerrie work with him in the business at some point. He ran the business for close to 30 years. During that time, he was affectionately known in the Fond du Lac area as “Doc” due to his ability diagnose and repair whatever came his way. He was always happy to lend a hand, give some helpful advice or mentor others, including aspiring technicians in the business. The business transitioned to the second generation with his son Todd Nimmer.



Bill’s interests and hobbies were many, boating and sailing, hunting, woodworking, fishing, snowmobiling, and model airplanes. Though his interests were many, his true passion was sailing and boating. He got his first boat at the age of 10 and his first outboard motor at the age of 16 which then became a lifelong passion and career. He was a member of the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and the Fond du Lac Sailing Club. For over 50 years he sailed and raced on Lake Winnebago and he and Gerrie took many sailing trips to the North Channel in Canada. He sponsored the annual Nimmer Cup race over 20 years ago and it remains an annual Sailing Club event.



On October 25, 1958, Bill married his best friend, fellow adventurer, and love of his life Geraldine “Gerrie” Mertens. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage.



Life with Bill was always an adventure, you never knew what was coming next. He had a contagious smile, kind heart and always a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He had an incredible gift of gab and zest for life, he believed in value of hard work, family first, honesty and doing the right thing. He taught his family they could do anything they wanted to if they tried. In his book, there was no excuse for not applying yourself and giving whatever you purse your best. Just some of the many gifts and lessons his children and those fortunate enough to know him received. He was a proud patriot and loved engaging in political discussion.



He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and one grandchild. He is survived by his wife, Gerrie, and his children, Joel (Julie) Nimmer, Todd (Michaele) Nimmer, Georgia (Rick) Brockway, Samantha (Steve) Inks, Johanna (Greg) Wetherbee, Michael (Helene) Nimmer, sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.



Bill’s life is a great example of one well lived!



Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, with a memorial service at 4:00 PM and Military Honors at 4:15 PM.



In Lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Bill’s name.



Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com