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of Columbia City, died peacefully with his daughter at his side at 1:50 p.m. October 28, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Bill had remained active until suffering a stroke on October 13, 2023.

Born on October 2, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the only child of the late Carl P. and Ruth M. (Zumbrun) Valjack. He grew up on a farm in Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County, and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1948. During high school, he learned to box with the nickname "Blonde Bomber," becoming a popular Golden Glove boxer in the Fort Wayne area. In 1949, he won the Golden Glove Sportsmanship Trophy.

In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably and was discharged in 1955.

Returning to the area, he married Audrey L. Guiff on November 23, 1957. They always made their home in rural Columbia City. Audrey died on November 8, 1990. On October 3, 1997, he married DeMaris (Jagger) Maggert. She survives.

Bill began his work career with Magnavox in Fort Wayne. In 1956, he went to work for Mobil gas Oil Company. In 1965, he partnered with Bill Helfrich and started V&H Oil Company on South Line St in Columbia City, becoming an ARCO oil distributor in 1967. In 1969, Bill became the sole owner. Driving innovation, Bill installed the area's first self-serve filling station in 1975. He sold the business in 1980.

In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and farming. He spent the winter months in Arizona, Mexico, or Florida.

He was a long-time member of the Blue River Church of the Brethren, now known as the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church. He served on many church committees through the years and put his trust in Jesus as our savior.

Surviving is his wife, DeMaris; his children, Phil (Penny) Valjack of Columbia City and Karen Valjack of Bristol; step-children Greg (Linda) Maggert, Becky Lee, both of Columbia City, Regina (Earl) Wilson of Oklahoma and Junell (Larry) Stout of Iowa, grandsons, Daniel Valjack and Andrew (Kailyne) Valjack both of Columbia City; and three great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by grandsons, Benjamin Valjack, and Eric Lee.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, 3040 E 700 N, Columbia City. Burial is at the Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church or the World Missionary Press.">

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© 2005 Columbia City High School Alumni Association     This page last modified 09/27/2006