Dr. William Robert Storer, Jr.

In Memory of Dr. William Robert Storer, Jr.

If you ever wanted to know where to find a good milkshake from Indianapolis to Pequot Lakes, MN, Bill Storer was your man! From enjoying a DQ cone with his young children before dinner to drinking a thick Freddy’s milkshake during the last week of his life, Bill knew how to enjoy, not just ice cream, but life!

The swish of fresh powder at the top of a ski lift, the tug on the boat creating the slack that let him fly over both wakes, early morning Bible studies with his colleagues, helping with Physics homework and projects, putting worms on hooks, battling raccoons, snow blowers, and power washers, preparing lectures or talks for Bible Study Fellowship, opening the house for as many Young Life students who would fit, playing Barbies with granddaughters, attending concerts and athletic events of children and grandchildren, and grabbing a quick dinner with friends. These moments and so many more filled Bill with joy.

While Bill was not known for sticking to a car or appliance maintenance schedule, he was intent on caring for his patients. He took time to know and care for each patient as if they were family. He was also innovative in the practice and the business of medicine, making major strides for Indianapolis heart health. Bill and his friend and partner, Paul Schmidt, MD, practiced medicine at Winona Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and St. Vincent Heart Center where he was the first Medical Director. His integrity and work ethic were mostly contagious for those around him. He modeled how to care for patients’ physical, spiritual, and even financial needs. Even in his last months, Bill wanted to make sure those around him were cared for or taught how to care for others.

Bill was generous with his time and always patiently teaching anyone who was interested in a skill or some kind of knowledge. Not only was he a patient teacher but a patient learner. He was willing to learn from his teachers and priests at Howe Military School, from a loving and insightful sisterhood of nuns, from other physicians and nurses, from his children and grandchildren, from his father-in-law, and from his wife whom he held in the highest regard.

Bill loved to laugh at his own jokes and often endured pranks for his friends’ amusement. He brought a vibrancy and an intensity to everything he did. He loved to listen to Andrea Bocelli and Yo Yo Ma. He was an avid reader and then an avid puzzler in his later years. But most importantly, Bill loved his family and friends unconditionally. His wife, Janet, was a source of strength for his tireless pursuits. His Christian faith and love for The Church were his ultimate strength and inspiration. Many who have encountered Bill Storer say that they have never met another man like him and recognize they are better people for knowing him.

Surviving Bill are his wife Janet, his children, Debbie (Scott) Moreland, Suzie (Carter) Booker, and Brad Storer, his grandchildren, Lauren Moreland-Ford (Ben), Grace Moreland, Julia Moreland, Kate Booker, Molly Booker, and Jack Booker, Brady Mabe and Olivia Mabe.

The family thanks the Hoosier Village staff for caring for Bill in such a loving and personal way.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill Storer can be made to Bible Study Fellowship or Alzheimer’s Association.