TRAVERSE CITY — William B. "Bill" Heermann, 94, of Traverse City, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at Country Pleasures Living Center in Traverse City.Bill was born Wednesday, June 27, 1917, to the late Gustav and Georgina (Boylan) Heermann, in Highland Park. He married the former Erie S. Meech Saturday, Oct. 14, 1950, in Detroit, at Salem Memorial Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children, William B. Jr. (Susan), Eric, Carol (Rick) Jones, and Christine (William Banks) Petersen. Two grandchildren were added to their blessings, Matthew Aron Heermann, Ph.D., and Emmaline Peterson.Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carol; and sister, Emma Downey.Baptized and confirmed, as well as attending school at St. Benedict in Detroit, Bill has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City for many years.Bill served our country as a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II, having been in India, where U.S. planes refueled to fly over the hump into China. Following his discharge, he returned to Detroit, joining A. K. Turner, a floor covering distributor, having been in partnership there for 10 years. In 1956, outgrowing their home in Detroit, the family moved to Traverse City and served their community in a retail floor covering business, called Southgate Sales. Bill's retirement years were spent traveling, building furniture for his children and others, and playing tennis.The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Birchwood and Country Pleasures for the excellent and loving care they provided Bill.Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City, with Pastors Robert Zagore and Dr. Charles Webb officiating. The family will greet family and friends one hour prior to the services at the church.Bill's family wishes to express their love and gratitude to God for their husband, father and grandfather. Bill lived to grant them the best life he could achieve.Memorial contributions in Bill's name should be directed to Trinity Lutheran School, 1003 S. Maple St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Bill would be pleased that youngsters would be provided with an outstanding education.Please share your memories of Bill with his family by way of the online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.