William Franklin Bliesmer died at Maple Manor Nursing Home in Rochester on Thursday, November 19th.  He was born in Rochester, MN June 3, 1944 living at home until moving into REM home in SW Rochester in the 1980's.  Since October 2007 he has resided at Maple Manor Nursing Home.

Bill grew up in the rural Stewartville area, and was one of the first children to attend the newly incorporated ARC of Olmsted County in 1955.  He worked at ABC for 25 years. He also worked at the Olmsted County DAC work component program, ABC's work activity center, and PossAbilities.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and bike riding with family and friends.  More recently he enjoyed polka music, listening to the radio, and watching TV while doing word searches, puzzles, and playing bingo.

Survivors include a sister Donna (Art) Pavlish, and a niece Ann Pavlish.  He was preceded in death by his parents Alva and Marion (Reese) Bliesmer.

Visitation will be at Macken Funeral Home on Sunday, November 22 from 4:00 – 7:00PM, with a prayer service at 6:45PM.  Burial will be in the High Forest Cemetery on Monday, November 23 at 10:00AM.

Macken Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  www.mackenfuneralhome.com