He was born January 21, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1937, his parents moved the family to Riley Township to start farming, which started him on the road to a lifetime of farming. He graduated from Marengo High School in 1949. His adventures after school took him to the threshing crews in the Dakotas, then to Chicago as a fry cook and busboy.
Upon returning to Marengo, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Kays. They were married on December 1, 1951, and were married until her passing just two months before their 65th wedding anniversary.
Bill served as a trustee on the Marengo Rescue Squad. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church from the age of 5 until his passing. When he began attending Zion, the sermons were being held in German.
He is survived by his children Diane Ross, David (Sue) Zierer, Gary (Mary) Zierer, Barbara (Steve) Koester, Robert Zierer, and Susie (Tim) Minakes. His grandchildren Cricket (Chuck) Herman, Cheyenne (Brandon) King, Marc (Dana) Ross, Josh Henley, Ben Zierer, Megan Zierer, Erica (James) Bardorff, Adam (Claire) Zierer, Michael (Taylor) Koester, David (Lisa) Koester, Katie Homola, Emily (Aaron) Kalas, Michelle Rostine, Becky (Joe) Schmidt, Ryan (Melanie Zilke) Zierer, Randy (Kristen) Zierer. Also his 39 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, his parents William and Natalie Zierer, and a daughter Mary Ann Henley.
A visitation will be held from 10am to 11am on Saturday, May 30 at Zion Lutheran Church, 412 Jackson St, Marengo, Illinois. The funeral service will be at 11am.
Interment will follow in Marengo City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in his name to Zion Lutheran Church & School or Florence Nursing Home.
