William H. Hedinger, 79, Jasper businessman and civic leader

William H. Hedinger, 79, Jasper, died at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the St. Charles Health Campus. He was the retired former president of Jasper Beverage Co., Inc., Hedinger Roofing Co., Inc. and The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation Board of Trustees.

He was born at St. Anthony June 7, 1932 to Hubert H. and Lona (Schuch) Hedinger. He married Mary Ann Schwinghammer in 1957. She preceded him in death in 1981. Bill married Arlita (Libby) Reinsch in May, 1984 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper.

Surviving are his wife, Libby of Jasper, twin daughters Cindy and Christy Hedinger of Tampa, Florida; step sons Ted Reinsch of Kansas City, Missouri and Tom E. Reinsch of Jasper; step daughters Jan (Reinsch) Kramer of Jasper and Jill (Reinsch) Mitchell of Granville, Ohio; Seven step grandchildren; One step great grandchild; nephews Keith G. Hedinger and Kurt R. Hedinger of Jasper; and niece Kathy (Hedinger) Atkins of Pikeville, Kentucky.

He graduated from Jasper High School in 1950 with his twin brother Bob, and they worked as a salesman for the Coca Cola Bottling Company of Jasper after graduation. Bill and Bob enlisted together and served during the Korean War in the United States Air Force from 1952- 1955, including two years in Tokyo, Japan with the 6017th Technical Training Squadron. Bill and Bob attended Ohio State University School of Architecture from 1955-1957.

In 1957 he returned to Jasper with Bob to work with their father at Hedinger Roofing Company. In 1959 Bill and Bob started Hedinger’s Distributing Company distributing Pepsi Cola products. In 1964 the brothers purchased Japer Beverage Company, the then Schlitz and Oertels 92 beer distributor. The company later acquired the Stroh’s, Budweiser and Coors brands. Bill served as president of both companies until his retirement in 1995.

Bill was elected to and served on The Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees from 1976 – 2000, and as its president from 1996 – 2000. He also served on the Jasper Park and Recreation Board during that same 24-year period.

He received the 1962 Jasper Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and was named to the “Outstanding Young Men in America” in 1965. He was awarded the Jasper High School Alumni Distinction Award in 1999.

He was a lifetime member and held various positions in the American Legion, including Commander of Post 147 in Jasper. He was also a lifetime member of the Jasper VFW Post 673, and Chef de Gore of the Voiture 40 & 8.

Bill was a founding member of the Jasper Civitan Club. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Jasper, associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, lifetime member of the Jasper Jaycees, and member of the YMI, Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge, Jasper German Club, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He served as a Democrat Precinct Committeeman for several terms.

He was an avid stamp collector.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 am Saturday in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. American Legion Post 147 will conduct military gravesite rites.

Friends may call after 11:00 am Friday at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, The National Federation of the Blind, or the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, 4597 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.