William Bernard Temmen, 78, Wardsville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital-St. Louis.
He was born May 3, 1943, to the late Ralph and Marie (Wilde) Temmen in Jefferson City.
He was united in marriage to Marilyn Poetker Sept. 4, 1965, in Jefferson City.
Bill was a 1961 graduate of Fatima High School. He enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserves and proudly served our country from March 10, 1964, until he was honorably discharged Feb. 24, 1972, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He was a hard-working man who gained experience working for several construction and excavating companies prior to founding Temmen Excavating Company July 16, 1976. Many homes, ponds, lakes, and roads in Cole County were built with his knowledge and expertise which he passed along to his sons. Bill is also known for the convenience stores, Temmen Mini-Mart.
After retirement, he could be found working on the farm or hunting deer and turkey. Bill loved to travel whether hunting elk in Colorado, enjoying a cruise with family or fishing with friends. He was an avid giver to the community and was a member of the Wardsville Lions Club, attained Fourth Degree with the Wardsville/Osage Bend Knights of Columbus Council #8399 serving as Financial Secretary and with the Honor Guard, member of St. Stanislaus church serving in the choir and as a song leader, sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and National Rifle Association, volunteer firefighter with the Taos-Wardsville Fire District and later served on the Osage Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
Bill was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Marie; sons, Greg and Chad Temmen; brothers; and Edward and James Temmen.
He is survived by wife of 56 years, Marilyn; son, Jerry Temmen and wife Diane; grandchildren, Adam Kehl and wife Kayla, Ashley, Tyler and Caysee Temmen; great-grandchildren, Kaydee Crabtree and Josephine Kehl; sisters, Mary Catherine Strope and Carolyn Lueckenhoff and husband August; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10, preceded by a prayer service at 3:15 p.m. at Houser-Millard Funeral Home in Jefferson City. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville with Reverend Monsignor David Cox officiating and Father Mike Quinn and Father Ignazio Medina assisting. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements entrusterd to HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
