William (Bill) G. Drometer

William (Bill) G. Drometer, 82, passed away in the early morning of Friday, May 24, 2024, in Greensboro, NC due to complications associated with a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born July 16, 1941, in Red Wing, Minnesota, he was the son of the late George William and Lois Haley Drometer.

A memorial Mass will be held on June 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC.

Bill grew up in Cannon Falls, MN within a tight knit family which included five brothers and sisters. Together with their parents, they worked their large farm which instilled an unabated work ethic and an unwavering moral compass.

The common thread throughout Bill’s life was always striving for excellence; in short, he was a workhorse. Bill was a strong and gifted athlete through high school while playing football and running track. He was also an outstanding student having graduated high school as valedictorian. He attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN where he continued to excel as a student and football player. He ultimately became captain of the football team and earned the nickname “Bull”. This was fitting given his strength and speed supported by his 5’8’’, 225-pound frame. Most importantly, Bill met the love of his life, Sheila Aageson, who attended and graduated from St. Catherine University.

After St. Thomas, Bill and Sheila were united in marriage on November 26, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oconto, WI. This marriage lasted 51 years before Sheila’s passing in 2018. Bill began his career with General Mills and quickly rose through the ranks within several divisions while living in Ohio, Illinois and eventually Massachusetts where he worked for Parker Brothers and HE Harris Stamp Company. During this time, he also earned his MBA at Southern Illinois University. He later went on to work for Troy Built, Albany International and eventually went into the bagel business when he bought a Manhattan Bagel franchise store in Buffalo, NY. True to form, Bill turned this shop into the most successful store in the Manhattan Bagel’s franchise.

Bill was a caring, compassionate and witty husband, father, brother and friend. Through everything he accomplished, his most important goal in life was taking care of his loved ones. He went above and beyond to ensure his family had every opportunity and the tools to fulfill their goals. He will be missed.

He is survived by his children, Kelly C. Alley of Greensboro, Todd W. Drometer and wife, Veleda, Medfield, MA; Eric A. Drometer and wife, Patrice, of Green Oaks, IL; grandchildren, Owen and Riley Drometer, Flynn Drometer and McKenzie and Grayson Alley.

The family requests with gratitude that memorials in William’s name be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Drometer family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com