Lt. William D. Minnich, USN/Ret., 77, of Frazeysburg passed away peacefully Monday evening, April 8, 2024, at the Inn at Chapel Grove in Heath, Ohio.

Born January 7, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, he was a son of the late Daniel and Hazel (Peters) Minnich and a 1965 graduate of Frazeysburg High School.  Bill proudly served in the military for 26 years stationed on both coasts, including four tours at sea, two in Antarctica, and stops to numerous countries.  He obtained his bachelor's degree and taught Adult Education, before fully retiring.  Soon after, he christened and sailed his beloved 42' Hazel Marie for 20 years, visiting the islands of Bahamas, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Florida Keys, and many stops along the east coast, north and south, each season.  In summer months, he motorcycled across the country visiting friends along the way.  Bill had a zest for life and adventure that took him skiing, scuba diving, collecting guns, restoring cars, and spent his down-time as an avid reader.  He was a huge OSU fan, loved cruising in his '82 Corvette, an occasional cigar and Jameson. In his twilight years, he took his dream trip traveling through Europe on a river cruise. Bill didn't always show it in the traditional way, but he loved his family and friends. He never forgot to send cards, snapped pictures everywhere he ventured, brought home souvenirs for his girls, and consistently dropped off goodies to his grandkids, whom he was so proud.

Surviving are his two daughters, Brooke (Don) Riggleman and Annie Minnich, both of Newark; three grandchildren, Lauren, Joshua, and Nathan Riggleman; two brothers, Larry Minnich of Frazeysburg; Allen Minnich of Zanesville, and a sister, Marilyn (Jim) Mitchell of Ludlow Falls, Ohio; several nieces and nephews, and special friend, Diane Eskey-Caton.

A graveside funeral service will be held in Frazeysburg Cemetery on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM with full military honors provided by the U.S. Naval Service.  In fellowship, a celebration of life will proceed at Wakatomika Post 6193 VFW, Frazeysburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio Philanthropy Office, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055 or Wakatomika Post 6193 VFW, Post Office Box 98, Frazeysburg, Ohio 43822.