It was with sadness that we heard from Fr. Frank Kehres on May 19 that one of our beloved classmates, Bill Rall, died at his home in the care of his family on the previous day. We knew for several years that Bill was dealing with serious heart and lung disease. Approximately two years ago Bill was hospitalized for a heart valve replacement only to undergo unexpected aneurysm surgery. Over a period of months he recovered well from that surgery.
Deacon Bill Rall was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Toledo in 1976. As I recall, he was among the first Permanent Deacons in the diocese and, remarkably, he served for 42 years in his home parish, St. Joseph's, in Crestline, Ohio. I recall meeting up with Bill and Carol while they were staying in Toledo during his Diaconate formation. I had an enjoyable visit with them. I also recall several summer reunions at the Josephinum when the Heydinger's, Rall's, Wampach's, Langhals', Meyer's, Driscoll's and others were gathered together, uproariously laughing as we shared stories about our pranks in the seminary including tricks on Bill. At this sad time, united in one Spirit, we all extend our love to Carol and the Rall children.
In addition to Bill and Carol's family, friends, colleagues, and parishioners, several members of our "Joss family" also attended Bill's wake and/or funeral. These included Tom and Kathy Dechant, Fr. Ger Knueven, Don and Betty Wampach, Bob and Annette Meyer, Scott and Angie Karg Meyer, and Fr. Frank Kehres. Also attending the wake was Deacon Thomas R. Dubois, MPS, who is Executive Director of NADD, National
Association of Diaconate Directors, and whose headquarters is at the Josephinum.
We know Bill's spirit now rejoices with the saints in heaven!
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