William "Bill" Dirrig

William “Bill” Dirrig, age 71, of Freedom Township, OH, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Bill was born July 5, 1954 in Ellet, OH, to the late Richard and Hulda (McBride) Dirrig. 

After graduating from Ellet High School Class of 1972 and moving to Brimfield, Bill spent 30 years at General Motors’ companies, working at both Cooper Manufacturing and Terex before transitioning to GM’s Lordstown plant for the majority of his career.

Bill will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and ingenuity. A remarkable sportsman, he found his greatest peace in the quiet of the wilderness – whether perched high in a tree stand watching the magic of the woods or casting a line for crappies on Mogadore Reservoir.

For Bill, nature was both his sanctuary and his workshop. He possessed a rare, inventive spirit, constantly dreaming up new methods to master his craft. Skilled in welding, woodworking and sewing, he could translate creative ideas into reality and was only limited by his imagination. From designing custom hunting blinds to building clever contraptions that kept hunters safe, Bill’s mind was always at work finding ways to simplify the complex.

This same resourcefulness defined his love for garage sales; where others saw junk, Bill saw potential. He had a legendary eye for value, finding joy in the hunt for hidden treasures and the challenge of repurposing something old to craft something new.

A natural adventurer, loving father and loyal friend to many, he lived life with his sleeves rolled up and a smile ready. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity and grit and an awareness that despite our busy lives of the 21st century, there will always be something sacred in slowing down and surrounding oneself in nature.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaitlin Dirrig; 2 grandchildren; sister, Carol Burkett; brother, Daniel Dirrig; and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, John Leo Dirrig.

Calling hours will be held 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240, immediately followed with Memorial services starting at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy in honor of William Dirrig.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.