William "Bill" August Mann

William August Mann, age 88, passed away peacefully October 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Born June 21, 1936, in Woodlawn, Maryland, Bill was the son of late Lorin Lockhart Mann and late Edith Adeline Mann (nee Clark). After moving to Bluffton, Indiana in 1954, he met and married the love of his life Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Barnes), with whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage until her death in 2008. He is predeceased by sister Diane Isenock, brother Lorin “Jake” Mann, and sister Mary Ellen Biddle. Surviving are his four children: Monica Kim Mann, Kami Jo Osborne (Tom), Kelli Renee Beisel (Jim), and William August “Chip” Mann II (Kim). Bill is a proud and wise grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Marshall Parr Durr (Laura Zanotti), Ti Mikkel Allen (Rob), Palmer Douglas Durr, Kai Elizabeth Louis (John), Kamann Rae Ravan (JT), Thomas Keenan Osborne, Emma Beisel Ferrell (Charlie), Courtland James Beisel, August Liam Beisel (Brittany), Josephine Lorin Beisel, Adeline Grace Mann, Sadie Clair Mann, and William August Mann III. He is also blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Kamden Patrick Louis, Elizabeth Klaude Louis, Osborne Kasey Louis, Molly Lou Ravan, Markley Jean Ravan, James William “Bill” Ravan, Maci Rae Ravan, and Elizabeth Grove “Betty” Ferrell. Bill is a veteran of the Indiana National Guard and was an active and devoted member of his church and community. He enjoyed golfing, reading, cruising with family, anything to do with pretzels, golfing, golfing, and golfing— and, most of all, he loved telling stories and being surrounded by his loved ones. And golfing. Bill was a compassionate, determined man with a laser-sharp wit and a big heart. These characteristics, along with a fierce work ethic, allowed him much success in his life and business ventures. Since 1954, Bill helped establish, manage, and operate Bluffton’s pretzel manufacturing businesses, including Duchess Pretzels Corporation with his father, Bachman Foods in 1970, and finally, he partnered with his life-long friend, Bill Huggins, to establish Pretzels, Inc. in 1978. The two won the Circle of Honor Award for the Snack Food Association, and Bill served as chairman in 1993. The same dedication that Bill had for the pretzel business could only be matched by the loyalty he showed to his many employees over the years, many of whom enjoy a meaningful relationship with him to this day; namely, Luann Garton worked alongside Bill in the pretzel business for over 50 years. Bill’s role as a successful businessman was indeed rewarding, but he considered his starring role to be that of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Bill always cared for others before himself— he was generous with his time, offering advice and wisdom. Bill observed and absorbed the activities of his loved ones, acting as the ‘eyes’ of his late wife, Betty. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Bill’s caregivers: Cheryl Buckland, Barb Gray, Jodi Guntle, Linda Hedrick, Starr Jojola, and Nikki Philippe. He loved you all as family, and we always felt secure that he was being so lovingly cared for and loved by all of you. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Christian Care Retirement Community, and memorial donations can be made in his honor. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 2 P.M. at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Tony Garton will officiate. You may livestream the service using Zoom ID Meeting #838 5808 8061. You are welcome to logon after 1:45 P.M. Visitation will be Friday (Oct. 25, 2024) from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the funeral home, prior to the service. Private family burial will be held at Stahl Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Christian Care Retirement Center and directed to the funeral home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. Friends can send online condolences to the Mann family at www.thomarich.com.

William "Bill" August Mann

June 21, 1936 - October 21, 2024