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Clarissa posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
I was incredibly saddened to learn about Bill's passing. He was was such a warm and wonderful person always ready to share a joke and a hearty laugh. Bill loved learning about different cultures and sharing stories about his experiences. He will forever live in our hearts and memories.
Clarissa D.
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Sandy Jzyk uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
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Nina and I were friends of Bill's from the Salt Collectors several clubs and conventions for many years. We both hurt so much from this loss of Bill in our lives. To think of never seeing him again in this life is just so hard. We loved our times with him.
He always had us laughing about his many times in second grade with the kids, and I marveled about his nice ways with the kids. I volunteered in second grade for about 8 years, and we had so much fun remembering those days. He also told us of the few times his jokes went the wrong way.
Last year Bill and Nina visited my condo before the last convention. Bill drove us around to shops I had never heard of, and we had such a great time together. We always did even when we skipped a convention program and just went antiquing to places just Bill knew. The pictures are of us (and the Cottrels at a meeting, and of Bill laughing over finding a china cat piece that I had wanted at the auction but did not want to pay for the whole lot. Bill and Nina went on to Brimfield and--amazing--found the exact piece there for me.
We had a funny time exchanging our operation thoughts at my place. I had had my hip done and he had his knees done. We both exchanged painful times we probably never would have except having to go through the same leaning on tables and such to get up. He loved my stair lift.
I still remember Bill dressing up as Rhett Butler in one of our skits for the conventions. He looked so handsome with some kind of makeup scrolled up and down on his upper lip and his rented outfit. I told him how handsome he looked and then wondered if I had scared him.
So many of us who knew him in our clubs were so upset to learn of his passing. We can only hope to see him again when we all are on the other side. For us to hurt so much, we know how much his family must. You have our deepest sympathies. God Bless.
Sandy Jzyk
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Anna Gifford posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Uncle Bill, you will forever be in our hearts and minds. Your laugh could brighten any day and your kindness was never ending. You made us all feel welcomed by you always.
Your humor and wonderful laugh will be the thought of you that we will carry forever. May you be among the angels that are Pa and Ma, Don and Claire, John and Betty, Walt and Peg, Gram and Gramp, and Harold.
Rest in wonderful peace.
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Steve Bell posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Bill was such an incredible person with the warmest and funniest soul you will ever meet. My mom (Robin) taught with him for years at Dansville and I spent many hours and years joking with (and harassing) Bill. His laugh will forever be stuck in my head as will his generous nature. I have too many memories to list but drinking all of his kids juice boxes, Christmas tree shopping, candy with he and Harold, and many hours listening to his jokes and watching him laugh so hard he would cry. I love and will always remember you, Bill. See you again one day.
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Rolf Simonsen posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
My name is Rolf Simonsen from Hamburg N.Y. and I attended Bill's Committal Service yesterday at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Cohocton. I wish to present this tribute as I would to his family and friends who were attending this service.
I'd like to take a few minutes of your time today and share some thoughts about my friend Bill. I am wearing this colorful tie, not for attention to myself, but to honor Bill and celebrate his life. The tie, A Mango Man Tie, kind of is like Bill, colorful but full of Cats faces with sunglasses on, but most importantly all have smiles, grins on their faces, just like Bill would have. And besides, Willy told me to wear it.
First I'd like to express my heartfelt condolences to all the Mehlenbacher family, in particular to Joan, and to all of Bill's many, many friends.
I have come to know Bill a long time ago and his Mom and Joan through a pursuit to purchase some cinnamon taffy. Through the years I have visited every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, and had many phone conversations.
Bill was quite a guy. Always a smile, always friendly, always helpful. He was always willing to listen, and make suggestions, help you think about things through sharing his own life experiences, and apply the Golden Rule and treat others as you would like yourself and your friends be treated.
Also, Bill had a wicked good sense of humor. He always had a sixth sense about when to share something funny. And they WERE ALWAYS funny. We would share ideas for capers that we both had been involved in, were working on, give each other ideas to enhance them and grow them better.
Bill knew everybody, was extremely well liked by all people whose lives he touched. You can see by the many friends, many tributes that have been expressed. He brought authentic joy to everyone who had the privilege of meeting him and being a friend, and would put a smile on your face.
Bill also had a love for all animals, particularly the down on their luck animals who found their way into his life.
Bill also was an antique expert extra-ordinaire, and if he didn't know exactly, he knew someone who did and would share that with you.
I read recently thoughts golfer Jack Nicklaus had about his friend Arnold Palmer passing, and I'll paraphrase a little, but they hold true for me for my friend Bill also.
Today I hurt, just like all you hurt. You don't lose a friend like Bill and not feel an enormous loss. Always remember when Bill touched your heart, and please don't forget why.
To conclude, an epitaph I read and also wish to share. For Bill, celebrate his life. May his compassion, humor, and love of life live on in our memories. A true friend to all and may the Force be with him always. Thank you.
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Nancy Dietel posted a condolence
Monday, May 8, 2023
I’m so sad to hear of the passing of Bill. I knew him from the Open Salt Collectors Community. He was a lovely man, charming and humorous. I will never forget him. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. He will be missed, but his memory will always be present to those who knew and loved him.
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Mike & LaRae Cottrell planted a tree in memory of William Mehlenbacher
Sunday, May 7, 2023
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May our friend rest in piece. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Mike & LaRae Cottrell posted a condolence
Sunday, May 7, 2023
We met Bill in the early 2000's at our first open salt club meeting. We were just newbies at the time, and Bill was one of the first to greet us. We learned a lot from him over the years. But what we will remember the most was his infectious humor, his love of telling a story, and the way he would always listen to you as if you were the only person in the room.
We were at an antique extravaganza in Bouckville NY, and having walked all day through literally hundreds of dealers and finding nothing for our collection, I finally saw an item of interest. In speaking with the dealer, I asked him if he knew the provenance of it. He replied, "I purchased this from Bill Mehlenbacher". We spoke about our experiences with Bill for some time. This piece is still one of our cherished finds.
This is the wide spread influence and friendship that Bill had with everyone he met.
Our condolences to Bill's family and friends, he will be missed.
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Terry Terranova posted a condolence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
My uncle Bill was the funniest and kindness man I've ever known. He'd tell me jokes that I'll never forget and always answer my calls saying hey kid even though I'm well into my 40s. I love u uncle Bill ❤️
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Celia K Melenbacker posted a condolence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
The heartache is real for all who knew and loved Bill. He was my second brother. We could banter back and forth for hours on end and never tire of one another. There are so many stories I have of him but the one that stands out the most from our relationship is something that he did to my daughter Kate. Back in 2018, Jack and I decided to move to NYS. We settled about 20 minutes from where Kate and her husband Eric lived. When Bill got wind of this he decided to put his stamp on it as only he could. One day Kate found a card in her mail. Upon opening it, she saw that it was a sympathy card. She nervously opened the card not knowing who it was that passed that she had no knowledge of. Well, Cousin Bill struck again. Seems that he was sending her all the sympathy he could muster because I was moving so close to her! The world lost one of the best good guys it has ever produced. I will miss him forever.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Helen Lyke posted a condolence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bill, my brother (Bob/Russ Russell) and myself grew up together in Cohocton. Bill and my brother were friends through school and remain friends up until my brother passed (May 7, 2010). When Russ was home he would always stop to visit with Bill. I would stop to visit with Bill when I would see him outside. My mother, Marie Russell Sprague, and his mother Mildred were also friends and visited. Bill always had a great sense of humor and would keep Russ updated on things in Cohocton. Have to add that my brother and his wife always had to stock up on taffy when they visited. Bill was a friend and will be missed by many. RIP
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Steve and Jane Sick posted a condolence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bill has been a special neighbor and friend for over 35 years. We will miss him and his ever present smile.
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The LaChapelle Family purchased flowers
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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The LaChapelle Family
purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of William Mehlenbacher.
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We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he Rest in Peace.
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Shirley Palmer posted a condolence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bill was one of the most loving caring sweet fun filled teachers I ever worked with in the Primary School in Dansville. My time spent working with him was fun and rewarding and such a wonderful experience. He taught me so much about how to interact with the students and all about knowing how to take care of their needs in every situation. He will be greatly missed by me and so many others. A wonderful amazing man. ❤️
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Paula Jones lit a candle
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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Mary Jo Vernam lit a candle
Friday, May 5, 2023
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I am so very sorry to read of Bills passing! Always loved his laughter and humor when he came in flower shop! My sincere condolences and prayers to his family.
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Jane Schryver posted a condolence
Friday, May 5, 2023
I always enjoyed visiting with Bill - super nice guy.
A Memorial Tree was planted for William Mehlenbacher
Friday, May 5, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at St. George Stanton Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of William D. Mehlenbacher uploaded a photo
Friday, May 5, 2023
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Nancy Leffel posted a condolence
Friday, May 5, 2023
Bill's humor was his one defining characteristic over all others. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was such a big part of my life for so long. My heart aches that the world has lost this incredible man.
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109 West Naples Street
Wayland, NY 14572
Phone : (585) 728-2100