William Schrimper

Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend

     William C. "Shrimp" Schrimper, 59, of Erie, died Sat., Aug. 4, 2012 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born Jan. 30, 1953 in Erie, son of the late Kenneth Charles and Ruth Lumme Schrimper.  A 1971 graduate of McDowell High School, he participated in an apprentice course at GE where he was employed for 38 years, most recently in Production in Main Cab Assembly Bldg. 12, retiring in 2009.  Until the time of his illness in 2012, he had been a PIAA Basketball referee since 1983 and an usher at the Erie Civic Center since 1991.  Following his retirement from GE, he worked part time at Burton Funeral Home. 

     Bill was a very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he volunteered as Event Coordinator, served on Church Council, the Property and Social Ministries Committees, and on the Board of Dufford Terrace, and volunteered for Project Dignity.  He coached boys and girls basketball and coordinated the YMCA league at St. John's.  He also coached MYAA girls softball and Erie School District girls basketball at Jefferson Elementary.  He was a member of Times Old Newsies since 1994 and belonged to the Siebenbuerger Club, PIAA District 10, and U.E. Local 506.  He was a garage sale enthusiast, enjoyed golfing, and was an avid sports fan, closely following his favorite teams, the NY Yankees, Miami Dolphins, and LA Lakers.

     Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Lynn A. Eller Schrimper; two daughters, Allyson Schrimper Minor and husband Alan, and Michelle Schrimper, all of Erie; a brother, Thomas Schrimper of Bradenton, FL; two grandchildren, Joseph and Ella Minor of Erie; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Mary Eller of Erie; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Brenda Eller of Erie; two nephews, Michael Eller and wife Cassie and Eric Eller, all of Erie; and several cousins.

     Friends may call Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church Parish Center, 2216 Peach St. (use 22nd St. entrance).  A service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St., Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Roy P. Washill and the Rev. Richard K. Schultz co-officiating.  Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bill Schrimper Scholarship Fund, to be used for MYAA basketball or softball scholarships, c/o Allyson Schrimper Minor, 230 E. 35th St., Erie, PA 16504; or to the Special Olympics, 148 West 21st  St., Erie, PA 16502.  

The family would like to send a special thanks to Griswold  Special Care and Great Lakes Hospice.