Heidelberg mourns passing of Dr. Bill Reyer, Professor Emeritus of English

Dr. William

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the Heidelberg community lost a beloved retired faculty member with the passing of Professor Emeritus of English Dr. Bill Reyer. Below is a tribute announcement that Heidelberg President Rob Huntington shared with those who knew, loved and will miss Bill.

Dear Colleagues,

With profound sadness, I share the news of the passing of one of Heidelberg University's most beloved professors, Professor Emeritus of English Dr. William "Bill" Reyer. Dr. Reyer passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 7, 2026, while visiting Burt Lake, Michigan, a place that brought him great joy.

Bill joined the Heidelberg faculty in 1982 and quickly found his academic home for the next 36 years. Until his retirement in 2018, he devoted himself to his students, his discipline, and Heidelberg.

For generations of ’Berg students, Bill was more than a professor. He was a mentor, friend, encourager, and inspiration. Alumni consistently describe him as their favorite professor, an amazing educator, and someone who positively impacted their lives. Many students enrolled in every course he taught simply because they loved learning from him. They remember his infectious smile, twinkling eyes, patience, humor, wisdom, and his remarkable ability to engage them in the study of literature and creative writing.

Bill cared deeply about his students and their learning. He valued them unconditionally, boosted their confidence as writers, challenged them to grow, and helped them discover their own voices. Former students recall that he made them better writers and better thinkers. He remained connected to many alumni long after their graduation, often reaching out with a kind word, a poem, or an encouraging message.

An award-winning poet, Bill was passionate about creative writing and poetry throughout his life. He published several collections of poetry, including Promontory Pines (2006), Minotaur & Damsel-Fly, and Impermanence and Wonder: Poems, a Chapbook. Soon after meeting Susan and me in December 2008, Bill gave us an inscribed copy of Promontory Pines with this message: “Dear friends, a small gesture and token of welcome to Heidelberg College … Best wishes! Bill Reyer.” That was classic Bill.

His love of poetry extended well beyond the classroom. He frequently shared original haiku on social media, and with so many friends, following his retirement. For more than 15 years, he was actively involved with the Ohio Poetry Association, serving as its president for several years and helping to bring the annual Ohio Poetry Day celebration to Heidelberg's campus on multiple occasions. He also served as a judge for numerous state and national poetry competitions. On Bill’s encouragement, I submitted a few poems over several years to the annual OPA. The more of Bill’s poetry that I read, however, the more clearly, I realized that I was better suited to read poetry than to write it.

Not long after we arrived in Heidelberg in the fall of 2009, I found in Bill a fellow lover of poetry who loved celebrating it. Together, we planned and hosted annual campus celebrations honoring the birthday of former U.S. Poet Laureate and family friend from Oregon, William Stafford. We created meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the community to engage with the power of language and verse. It was a privilege and joy to co-host these events with Bill on Stafford’s January 17th birthday each year!

Bill's love of the arts was not limited to the written word. A gifted vocalist, he partnered in 2017 with colleague and now-retired music professor Dr. Doug McConnell to present "A Simple Collaboration" on Heidelberg's campus. The performance was so well received that the pair later returned for "An Encore Collaboration."

A graduate of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Bill was respected and admired by students and colleagues alike. A gem of a human being, Bill’s legacy – his love for literature and poetry – will continue through those he taught and the standards of excellence, humanity, and compassion he modeled. A common thread warmed my heart, knowing that Bill was born in St. Paul and I was born in Minneapolis.

A memorial service is being planned on campus at a later date. We will share additional information regarding the service and opportunities to celebrate Bill's life as details become available. In the meantime, please join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to Bill's long-time partner, Dave Signor, his sister Liz Reyer, extended family, friends, former colleagues, and students who mourn his passing alongside all of us.

In July 2012, Bill wrote a poem about our 15-year-old daughter, Ashley, after she returned from summer camp at Interlochen in Michigan. It was called Upward … “She sang upward toward the spheres - they echoed with her song.” Bill signed it, “For Ashley, wishing you a rich life in music! Kind regards, Bill Reyer.” We framed it. His touching gift still hangs prominently in the most central area of our home. I feel that Bill’s spirit lives on with many of us lucky enough to have been graced by the beauty of his heartfelt words.

We are fortunate that Heidelberg was such an important part of Bill's life — and that he was such an important part of Heidelberg's story.