Drexel University Athletics
Photo by: Greg Carroccio
Former Wrestling Coach William Gerstemeier Passes Away at 83
1/18/2019 9:59:00 AM | Wrestling
PHILADELPHIA – Former Drexel Wrestling head coach William "Gus" Gerstemeier passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at Paoli Hospital.
Born in Elkins Park, Pa. on Wednesday, July 17, 1935, he was a son of Charles and Thelma Gerstemeier. In addition to his wife Colletta Jean of 56 years and his parents, Gus is predeceased by his brother, Charles "Sony" Gerstemeier.
At Cheltenham High School, Gus was known at "Billy the Wrestler" and continued his passion for wrestling at West Chester University where he received his Doctorate in Health and Physical Education. While in school, he met the love of his life, Colletta Jean Huber, and the pair was married on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1960. His second love was teaching and coaching which led him to work at Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, Episcopal Academy and Radnor High School.
Gus was the head wrestling coach at Drexel for six seasons from 1968-1974.
He is survived by his son, Wm. Todd Gerstemeier; two daughters, Tamara J. Sweeney and Colletta L. Roberts; and seven grandchildren.
A funeral mass was celebrated at Mother of Divine Providence Church in King of Prussia on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to https://www.lovedominates.com/angelofhope
Born in Elkins Park, Pa. on Wednesday, July 17, 1935, he was a son of Charles and Thelma Gerstemeier. In addition to his wife Colletta Jean of 56 years and his parents, Gus is predeceased by his brother, Charles "Sony" Gerstemeier.
At Cheltenham High School, Gus was known at "Billy the Wrestler" and continued his passion for wrestling at West Chester University where he received his Doctorate in Health and Physical Education. While in school, he met the love of his life, Colletta Jean Huber, and the pair was married on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1960. His second love was teaching and coaching which led him to work at Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, Episcopal Academy and Radnor High School.
Gus was the head wrestling coach at Drexel for six seasons from 1968-1974.
He is survived by his son, Wm. Todd Gerstemeier; two daughters, Tamara J. Sweeney and Colletta L. Roberts; and seven grandchildren.
A funeral mass was celebrated at Mother of Divine Providence Church in King of Prussia on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to https://www.lovedominates.com/angelofhope
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