William "Bill" S. Gotwals, 91, of Oley PA (formerly Souderton) passed from this life on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at his home.

Born on May 23, 1932 in Souderton he was the son of the late Clayton K. Gotwals & Lillian (Schueck) Gotwals Kulp and the spouse of the late Alice C. (Hagey) Gotwals.

Bill graduated from Souderton High School in 1950 and took up his life-long passion working locally on a farm.  In the 1950's he purchased land in the Oley Valley for crop and dairy farming as well as started a trucking company with his brother.  Over the years the business expanded in acreage, types of crops farmed, products hauled and employees cared for. He always had a big smile when he was seen driving his tractor out to the fields or traveling the country in his big blue eighteen wheeler.

Bill was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church where he had been active as a chorister and choir member. This music passion and love of young folks led him to direct a young adult singing group as well as devoting time with Spruce Lake Retreat's (where he served on the board) camping ministry.  His big heart had him on church service trips to Mexico and with Mennonite Disaster Service in the United States. Additionally he served on the board of Farm & Home Oil Co and with the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

Bill lived life to the fullest enjoying in his "spare" time yearly ski trips around the world as well as cattle drives in Montana with family and others joining in.  He was an avid hunter and card player with an infectious smile and a twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by a son, Bradley H. and wife Scarlette of Oley PA and a daughter, Joan G. Yoder and husband Terry of Leola PA; six grandchildren – Will, Andrea, Alyse, Summer, Austin and Colton as well as 7 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, Jacob and Bob and three sisters, Lorraine Landis, Helen Clemens and Beulah Kulp.

Visitation with the family will be held from on Friday May 24, 2024 between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. at Franconia Mennonite Church, 613 Harleysville Pike, Telford PA 18969 followed by the burial service and a meal along with a memory sharing time.  There will also be a Celebration of Life service in Oley PA on August 24 with the time to be announced later. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Mennonite Disaster Service 583 Airport Road Lititz PA 17543 www.mds.org