William Otto Schnerre

William Otto Schnerre, 90, of Fayetteville died Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at Circle of Life Hospice. He was born Dec. 30, 1921, in Galena, Ill. He was the third of six children born to Otto Bernard and Margaret Melville Schnerre. He proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force. He flew during World War II, the Berlin Air Lift, the Cold War and the Korean War. In 1965, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 42 years, Joyce Schnerre; second wife, Alice Wagner Schnerre; three brothers, Bob, Jim and Jack; and sister, Mary Mullen. Survivors include his children, Martha and Hartmann Wuerz, Linda and John Hebard, and Judi and Gil Adams; sister, Betty Longshore; sister-in-law, Jo Schnerre; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, with Mr. Robert Dockery officiating. Burial will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.