I, William E. Loetterle IV, am in a very unique situation to be writing my own obituary. I’m wondering how I will be remembered and in my case, I get to know.

I think at this point I am feeling inquisitive about where I will be going when I leave this body — if it is someplace or to something really cool, to learn about our universe. I am hoping wherever it is, it is an integral part of life; something more than our lives here in this Earthly dimension. I think this existence is training for something else to make society a better place for everyone. I am hoping society will evolve to eliminate injustice for all.

After graduating from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School in 1988, I went on to work at a number of jobs. I went to Hudson Valley Community College and studied respiratory therapy, worked at Albany Medical Center, and was a security officer at the New York State Department of Health.

Most important to me are the people in my life. What I have learned through my illness is how very loved I am by my family and friends. I have had so much fun with you and am so grateful to have your loving support through my life and as I prepare to leave this world.

I have the best brother, Jonathan James. JJ, I truly can say you’re the best, even though you tossed every expired condiment out of my refrigerator. JJ—- you are smart, organized, and kind; have a beautiful and compassionate partner, Solay, and a beautiful child, Laiyla. I grieve that I will not be here to spend more time with you and to watch Laiyla grow up.

My mom, Susanne Rice Loetterle, is the best, too. I've learned so many important lessons from you by your examples, some of which are: to not be greedy or demanding, and to be able to just roll along in the worst of circumstances is sometimes the best course of action. You’ve told me I was your first bundle of joy and your jazz-baby, always on the move. Your love of your corgis, and especially for me to have the company of Smokey and Pumpkin, have been a great joy and comfort to me.

And to my dear friend Mary (Charbonneau): When I think of you, you put a smile on my face, warm my heart, and drive me nuts. Thank you for sharing cruising and traveling adventures with me and for being a strong caregiver and advocate for my health care. I love you forever and am so blessed to have you in my life.

I also want to thank Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties for their care and Reverend Robert Hoffman from the Berne First Reformed Church for his friendship and spiritual guidance.

Thank you all for your healing prayers, for your loving support, and for the generous food train to help sustain my friends and family while they are caring for me. Knowing all of you has made my life worthwhile and full.

Please have a great party in my memory, listen to some good music such as Truckin, Brokedown Palace, Three Little Birds, and continue to be kind and do good things.

Love, Bill.

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William E. Loetterle IV died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday morning, May 8, 2021.

In addition to his mother, and brother, he is survived by his uncle and aunt Richard and Anne Loetterle, cousins Monique and William Haller, Valerie and Frank Ceasare, Richard Loetterle; his uncle and aunt William S. and Jeannette Rice, cousins John L Rice, and Rebecca Rice and Paul Woutersz.

His father, William E. Loetterle III, died before him as did his grandparents, William E. and Katherine Loetterle Jr. and William F. and Henrietta Rice Jr.

“Bill will be remembered by his family and friends as thoughtful, compassionate, patient, humble, kind, jazzy, and intelligent,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He enjoyed listening to music and seeing new places.

“Bill’s friend, Mark Brate, will always remember Bill’s kind heart and that he was always concerned about everybody else, even during this greatest trial. He was the kindest person ever and all who knew him will keep that with them forever.

“The family would like to thank Jan Motschmann for her tireless efforts and sleepless nights caring for Bill. They would also like to thank the following people for making it possible for Bill to stay at home and get the care he needed: Ned Greene; Alan Greene; Mark Brate; Patti Ruiz; Alyce Gibbs; Aunt Jeannette; Uncle Bill; John Rice; Koren Satalino; Erin Losito; Berne Reformed Church; Bob Hoffman;Vikki Ortiz; Josh Adams; Krista Adams; the Adams Family; Russell and Elaine Loder; Linda Zeh; the Meal Train; Alan and Millie Zuk; Bill's caregiver, Rosemary; Barry Gibbs; and everyone else who cared for Bill, whether it was at his side or in their hearts and prayers.”

A graveside service will be held at Rensselaerville Cemetery, Methodist Hill Road in the hamlet of Rensselaerville, on Saturday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m.; COVID-19 protocol please.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY 12414, or to First Reformed Church, 1664 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023.