William Wiersma

William Bill Wiersma passed away peacefully on April 25 following a courageous and extended journey. He devoted his life to his family, and is survived by his wife, Joan, daughters, Dr. Susan Wiersma Dr. Timothy Kinsella and Lisa, and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Kinsella. He was blessed with, and is survived by, a large and loving extended family. Bill was born and raised in rural Wisconsin. He became the first member of his family to attend high school and as a result of his own initiative and determination he continued his education at Wisconsin State College B.S., 1953 and at the University of Wisconsin M.S., 1957, Ph.D., 1962. He joined the faculty at the University of Toledo, College of Education in 1963 as an Assistant Professor of Research and Statistics, and became a Full Professor in 1967. He became the founding Director of the Center for Educational Research and Services, and his work at the College was integral in the schools growth. Bill earned a national and international reputation for his initiatives, including the Competency Based Teacher Education Program, a precursor of many of the education evaluation systems used today. He had an extensive publication record, and authored 7 textbooks, including Research Methods in Education 1968, now in its ninth edition with co-author Stephen Jurs. Always an outstanding teacher, he was formally recognized with the Universitys Annual Teaching Award in 1979, and continued to teach for 14 years Professor Emeritus following his retirement from the University 1987. From 1987-2005, he was a consultant to numerous institutions and organizations for statistical and educational matters. Bill was a current member of Epworth United Methodist Church and a former member of Collingwood Presbyterian Church, where he served as Clerk of Session and led Bible study for several years. He played football, basketball and baseball as a youth and enjoyed sharing his enthusiastic support of the Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badgers with friends and family members. He adored his granddaughter Elizabeth and forged a special bond with her through hours spent working math problems and in other pursuits. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends and family at the Church at 10 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests any tributes be made to the William Wiersma Foundation, c/o MPM 7429 International Dr. Holland, Ohio 43528. This Foundation has been established to honor his lifelong commitment to education and will award an annual scholarship to a prospective college student from the Cambria-Friesland, WI area beginning in 2015. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home.