Services
Obituary
William “Bill” Schermer, Jr., known affectionately to many as “Wild Bill,” “Old Bill,” and “The S.O.B. (Sweet Old Bill),” passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as deep and enduring as his passion for the livestock industry.
Funeral services for William “Bill” Schermer will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 304 West Main Street in Latimer. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Latimer.
Visitation for William “Bill” Schermer will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to PO Box 597, Clarion, Iowa 50525 for the family to use at their discretion.
Born on April 3, 1953, to William Sr. and Lenore Schermer, Bill’s life was rooted in agriculture from the very beginning. He grew up raising and showing purebred Limousin and Angus cattle, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the Angus cattle business.
Bill’s faith was very important to him. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, Iowa, where he remained a lifelong member. Bill attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from CAL Community High School in 1971. He went on to earn a degree from NIACC and later completed the Reisch School of Auctioneering.
On April 27, 1974, Bill married the love of his life, Nancy Johnson, in Alexander, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Latimer and later in Clarion, raising two cherished children, Angie and Troy, who continue to carry on his values and love for livestock.
Bill began working cattle sales immediately after college, starting with the Drovers Journal, where he quickly became known for his keen eye and passion for being ringside. His talent and enthusiasm for the industry led him to work for several livestock publications throughout his career.
For many years, Bill and his family showed Angus cattle across the country. He was especially proud of his 60 consecutive years as an exhibitor at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Family vacations often revolved around the National Junior Angus Show, where lifelong friendships were formed—many of which became like extended family. Beyond the Angus community, Bill also enjoyed his time with the Horsemen of Iowa and the American Quarter Horse Association.
Eventually, Bill embarked on one of his proudest ventures—founding The Stockman magazine. This endeavor reflected his deep respect for livestock producers and his commitment to telling their stories with honesty and integrity.
In addition to his publishing work, Bill was an avid seedstock producer, a respected herd consultant, livestock feed and mineral salesman, equipment salesman, and a steadfast advocate for the cattle community. His wealth of knowledge, warm humor, and booming laughter left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Whether offering sage advice or sharing a quick-witted joke, Bill had a presence that filled any sale barn, show ring, pasture, or printed page.
Bill will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the countless individuals he impacted throughout the livestock world. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the cattle he bred, and the lives he touched.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy of Clarion; daughter, Angela of Clarion; son, Troy (Tonya) of Clarion; and grandchildren Jacob (fiancée Reagan Goodell) of Goldfield, Kalli, and William of Clarion. He is also survived by his sister, Connie Pingel of Latimer; brother, Brad (KaRene) Schermer of Latimer; sister-in-law, Pam (Terry) Meyer of Thornton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lenore Schermer; brothers-in-law, Ivan Pingel and Larry Johnson; and parents-in-law, Roman and Wilma Johnson.