William Bruce Van Meer Jr., devoted husband of Tina, loving father of Lance, son of Mary and William Sr., died on March 5, 2015. He was born at St. Anthony's Hospital in Michigan City, Indiana on September 7, 1965. His early childhood was spent in New Buffalo, Michigan before moving with his family to Eureka, Illinois. He attended Eureka Junior High and graduated from Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School. Bill earned his bachelor's and master's degree from Illinois State University. He received his superintendent of schools certification from Cardinal Stritch University. On July 23, 1988 Bill married Tina Hesch in Bloomington, Illinois. Their son Lance was born on April 10, 1991. As a teacher, leader, coach, and mentor, Bill dedicated his life to serving the students entrusted to his care. He began his career in education as a junior high teacher in Mackinaw, Illinois, subsequently serving as a principal in Eureka, Illinois and Monroe, Wisconsin. He then became the superintendent of schools in Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan, Wisconsin and most recently in New Holstein, Wisconsin. Bill's wide variety of activities through the years included coaching baseball and basketball, participating in community theater and serving as a volunteer in his community parish. He took pride in his service as an EMT. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Optimist Club and the Lion's Club. His favorite activities included camping, boating and tending to the family pets including his horses and dogs. Bill is survived by his wife Tina, his son Lance (Rachel Magellan), his parents William Sr. and Mary Van Meer of Belleville, Wisconsin, his father-in-law Gary Hesch, his sisters Kathleen (Ward) Wheat, Elizabeth Bates, and Mary Susan (Scott) Lesley. Bill is also survived by his cousins, niece and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 S. Harrison St., Belleville, WI with the Rev. Michael Moon officiating with burial in the Frenchtown Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 S. Harrison St., Belleville, WI. The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family. A memorial fund has been established by the family.
