George William Engelhardt

Batavia – G. Bill Engelhardt, was a man who loved life and fiercely loved his family.  Bill served his country with the United States Army National Guard and was a volunteer fireman with the Elba Fire Department. Bill passed away early Saturday morning most unexpectedly at the age of 56. Bill was born January 1, 1962, a son of the late John Engelhardt and Linda Mead Engelhardt Royse. He is also predeceased by his step-father, Ralph Royse, Sr. and his first wife, Linda Anne DiMartino Engelhardt, who passed away on June 29, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Joanne M.  Wheeler Engelhardt, whom he married September 1, 2012. Joanne was his everything. Bill is also survived by his children, Ricky Engelhardt, Mary Engelhardt, Jessica Engelhardt, Ronnie Engelhardt, George Engelhardt, Brandon Hines and Jerry Dykstra; two brothers, Ralph (Deb) Royse, Jr. and Ward Royse of Batavia; seven sisters, Helen Engelhardt, Irene McNutt, Linda Royse, Annie Royse, Ruth (Tom) Gilliatt, Malynda Blackshere and Mabel Ramirez; his aunt, Mabel “Mae” (Robert) VanNess who was his hero, friend and role model and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews survive. Bill loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle and loved giving his grandchildren a ride on the bike. He was a giver, not a taker. Bill believed in helping anyone whenever possible. He was a man that did not pull punches. He loved snowy owls, so whenever you spot one, know its Bill flying free and watching over everyone. Friends may call on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Bill’s name to his family.