William Ralph Birkhimer

William Ralph Birkhimer, age 90, entered Heaven peacefully January 10, 2015, surrounded by his loving children. Bill was born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Ralph Alexander and Mabel Anne (Heffner) Birkhimer in 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved Southern Belle Ruth Windham, whom he married in 1945 at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Following WWII, they resided in Columbus, OH. He was the loving and devoted father of Bob (Jane), Patti (Tom) Heuer, and John (Carla). He leaves loving and wonderful grandchildren Josh (Kristianne) Birkhimer, Sally (Neal) David, Will Birkhimer, Joe (Lisa) Heuer, Zac Heuer, Annie (Geoff) Kragness, Laura (Jared) Laughbaum, Lily Birkhimer, Ryan (Lisa) Estes and Adam Estes. Bill was very proud of his 10 great grandchildren, Rex, Penelope, Leighton, Grady, Leo, June, Austin, Natalie, Theo and Grace. He is also survived by loving Boster, Heffner, Windham, Chapman and Young family members, and lifelong friend Bill Allman. After graduating from Columbus South High School in 1941, he entered the U.S. Army. Following his service, he graduated from Franklin University and Capital University Law School. Bill proudly worked for his entire career with Nationwide insurance, retiring in 1986 as Vice President Associate General Counsel. He filled his life traveling with family and friends, serving the Lord through various Lutheran ministries, singing in choir and with the Nationaires, listening to great music, skiing, and enjoying his longtime relationships from church. This fine man will be greatly missed.

Funeral service 1:00 Thursday, January 15, at SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL, 5360 E. Livingston Ave. with Pastor Eric Moehring officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00, prior to the service. Entombment at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Mt. Carmel Hospice in Bill's memory.