A private family memorial will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Arrangements are under the direction of Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont, Nebraska.
Bill was born May 22, 1945 in Grand Island, Nebraska along with his twin sister Barb. He grew up and attended school in Grand Island, graduating in the class of 1963. In September 1964, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served in Vietnam as a radio operator aboard the DLG-13 William V. Pratt. Upon being honorably discharged from the naval service in September of 1968 at the rank of E-4, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Bill began his advanced education at McCook Community College and later attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois. After earning his degree, Bill became a licensed mortician and funeral director. He started his 43-year career at Pospisil Funeral Home in Loup City, assisting families all over Nebraska and Wyoming. He went on to serve families for 18 additional years at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling, Colorado before finally retiring in 2012 and moving to Fremont, Nebraska with his wife, Susan VanPelt.
During his life, Bill was a faithful servant of the community. In 1974, he became an initiated member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Ord, Nebraska. He later transferred to Grand Island lodge #604 where he served as an Exalted Ruler from 1978 to 1980. In 1990, he joined the Lions Association, serving as President in Sterling from 1999 to 2000. While living in Loup City, Bill was also a member of the VFW as well as the Loup City Volunteer Fire Department.
Bill was Christian and loved his church families and the amazing people he met and called friends through the years.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include Bill's wife, Sue VanPelt of Fremont, NE; sisters, Barbara Moser of Fremont, NE and Susan (Deane) Silver of Cambridgeport, VT; sons, Eric VanPelt of Decula, GA, Joel (Amy) VanPelt of Grand Island, NE, and Benjamin (Rebecca) VanPelt of Fremont, NE; grandchildren, Cody VanPelt of Grand Island, NE, Ryan VanPelt of Fremont, NE, Mason Sanders of Fremont, NE, Christopher Schulenberg of Montgomery, AL, Sydney VanPelt of Lincoln, NE, Aricka VanPelt of Lincoln, NE, Alex Ulmer of Grand Island, NE, and Jay (Ashlie) Tulk of Kearney, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Normal L. VanPelt and Forrest ''Shorty'' L. VanPelt.
Please send memorials to:
Fremont Area Community Foundation
C/O Fremont Area Alzheimer's Fund
1005 E. 23rd St., Suite 2
Fremont, NE 68025.
online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(8)
Jenia
Sterling, CO Friday, September 17, 2021 Words can't express the gratitude I feel towards Bill and Sue. They became my family and gave me a home back when I was an international student at NJC. They were so kind and loving to me. I cherish my time with them. I'll always remember Bill telling me how at one of the funerals he helped with, the family of the deceased played Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin. That really stuck with me. I hope you are in a good place now, Bill, in God's eternal embrace. Thank you so much for everything. Love, JeniaMargaret Peterson Brink
York, NE Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Billy and Barb and I were great friends in Howard Elementary, Walnut Jr. high and graduated together at GISH IN 1963. Our friendship was one that we were genuinely pleased to see each other. I have very fond memories of my “twin” friends. Bill and my father were funeral directors. Families know what that means to be “on call” and keep the phone open. Remember to enjoy the challenges we are facing, even with tears. Thanks Bill and Barb for being an important chapter in my life. Fondly, Maggie PetersonPeg Weisenberg
Hooper, NE Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Oh Sue, I’m SO sorry to read of Bill’s death!!! You have been in my thoughts and prayers alot. I’m assured that your faith in Our Lord will support you now and forever. Cherish all of the wonderful memories I know you have of Bill!!With sympathy and many hugs….
Peg Weisenberg
Jean Bailey MacNish
Southport, NC Monday, September 13, 2021 Bill..you were such a special person and classmate..loved your dense of humor and your laugh..we sure had lots of fun..honored to have been your friend and class of 1963..till we see each other again...R.I.P my friend..Ryan VanPelt
Fremont, NE Monday, September 13, 2021 Grandpa, I’ve missed you since I was a little kid. But I’m never going to forget catching butterflies in the backyard or playing catch with Sadie or the mounds of stories you’d tell me even though I was too young for them, and the smell of caramels and cigars you always had lingering around you. I love you and I miss you. Cant wait to laugh with you again.Eric Vanpelt
Dacula, GA Friday, September 10, 2021 Dad - I love you very much! Your love and guidance shaped me as I am.Larry Baasch
Omaha, NE Friday, September 10, 2021 I remember our time in San Diego when out ships were there at the same time. A weekend we never forgot. Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.Sue VanPelt
Fremont, NE Friday, September 10, 2021 I miss you very much Bill, I will love you forever in my heart and someday we will be together again.