UTICA – William “Bill” W. Kehrli, 86, a resident of the Katherine Luther Residential Health Care and Rehab Center, Clinton, NY, formerly of Utica, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the nursing home. Bill was born June 13, 1930, in Utica, the son of Walter and Dorothy (Jones) Kehrli. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Whitesboro High School. He went on to serve his country with the US Army for 4 years, with deployment in Germany. On December 26, 1955, Bill married Dorothy Clookey at St. Patrick’s Church in Massena. Dorothy passed away in 2008. Bill spent the majority of his career working successfully in sales, most recently in Aerial Photography. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church in North Utica as well as the North Utica American Legion Post # 229. Bill will be most remembered for his larger than life personality, joking spirit, and generosity. Bill is survived by six children, Michael (and Beverly) Kehrli, Bernard’s Bay, NY, David Kehrli, Lima, NY, Steven Kehrli, Utica, Lisa (and Mike) Gigliotti, Whitesboro, Lynn (and Mark) Skinner, Winter Garden, Florida, Valerie Musenga, Clay, NY; eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Paula DePalma, Florida; two sisters, Jane DeBlois, Whitesboro, Nancy (and Richard) Miskowiec, Utica; a brother, Richard (and Sandra) Kehrli, Yorkville. Besides his wife, Bill is predeceased by two sons, Billy Kehrli in 1987, and Johnny Kehrli in 2000. Mr. Kehrli’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Church, N. Utica, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. His burial will take place in the spring in St. Peter’s Cemetery, N. Utica. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, Wednesday evening, from 5 – 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the Katherine Luther RHC & RC in Bill’s memory. The family offers their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Martin Luther Home, especially the Valley Crest Unit for the care and compassion given to Bill during his stay.