William Bernard Wilhelm

- St. John Chrysostom

William Bernard “Bill” Wilhelm, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the age of 76. A man of great faith and service, Bill lived a life steadfast to God and family. Born to Fred and Helen Wilhelm, Sr. in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Bill was a graduate of The University of the Ozarks and an avid University of Arkansas Razorback fan. He met his future wife, Rose Mary, at LSU while working for Weldon Williams & Lick of Fort Smith, Arkansas, (a company offering LSU innovative ticketing solutions), and impressed her while driving his dear old 1972 Datsun 240Z. He especially loved family gatherings, playing golf, traveling, watching football, Wheel-of-Fortune and Westerns on TV, and anything to do with history. Bill was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church parish and served in the Knights of Columbus, including at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, as well as serving in the Usher Ministry. In one of his most selfless acts of love, sacrifice, and dedication and an example of his long-standing Christian values, Bill made the decision, along with thoughtful discussions with Rose Mary, for both to adopt Bill’s two young great-nephews, who later became their sons and created their family. Bill leaves behind his devoted and beloved wife of 38 years, Rose Mary Territo Wilhelm; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher A. Wilhelm (Lisa) and Sean N. Wilhelm (Christy) of Baton Rouge; his brother, Stephen E. Wilhelm of Fort Smith, Arkansas; sisters-in-law Marion Territo and Patricia Territo of Baton Rouge; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph Territo (Tina) of Satsuma; David Territo (Dana) and Samuel Territo (Liz) all of Baton Rouge. Bill is also survived by his nieces and nephews: David J. (DJ) Territo (Ashley), Collin and Brynn Territo, Kevin Territo, Hunter Territo (Ashley), Ellis and Evelyn Territo, Samantha Territo-Thames (Kyle), his goddaughter, Madeline Territo, and Jeremy Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen Wilhelm, Sr.; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Maryann Wilhelm Halcisak (Joe) and Betty Wilhelm Turley (Chester); an infant sister, Susan; and two brothers, Fred Wilhelm, Jr. and Robert Wilhelm. Pallbearers are Chris Wilhelm, Sean Wilhelm, David J. (DJ) Territo, Collin Territo, Hunter Territo, Kyle Thames, Van Gilmore, and Nate Keim. Honorary pallbearer is Kevin Territo.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:30 AM. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2644 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816, heart.org or the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, 10600 S. Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70815, brfoodbank.org. The family offers special thanks to Hospice in His Care and their loving caregivers, Jennifer and Lisa, and to Stephanie at Griswold Home Care.