William Francis Nemechek was born August 5, 1925, on the family farm south of Ellis, KS, the second child born to Louis and Johanna (Gaschler) Nemechek. He passed away Monday, November 23, 2009, in the Gove County Medical Center at Quinter at the age of 84.


Bill moved with his family to Tribune, KS for part of a year and in 1931, they relocated to a farm north of WaKeeney. He started his education at a country school in a one-room schoolhouse with one teacher schooling eight grades. In 1939, the family moved to a farm west of Highway 283 and in 1945, moved back to WaKeeney to live on south Main. Bill graduated from Trego Community High School with the class of 1943.


On October 3, 1945, Bill was united in marriage to Marjorie Marie O'Rourke in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Ellis, KS. They were co-owners of a radiator shop and Bill's Liquor Store in WaKeeney for over thirty years until they sold the business and moved to Placerville, CA in 1986, where they managed a Senior Housing Complex. They retired in 1996 and moved back to WaKeeney. Marjorie passed away October 16, 2005.


Bill was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3774, and the Big Creek Golf Club. He learned to play the piano key accordion at a young age and played at barn dances. After a period of time, he returned to his love of music and started performing with his friends at the monthly jam session. He loved playing cards, watching football, and NASCAR races. Bill especially enjoyed meeting his golf buddies for an afternoon on the golf course. Bill's dedication to his family was evident as he treasured large family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a compassionate spirit and a well-documented sense of humor.


Survivors include three sons, Bill of Lincoln, CA, Larry and wife, Barby, of Marietta, GA, Greg of Overland Park; three daughters, Patty Hall of Reno, NV, Sharon Lacy of Los Angeles, CA, Renee Willhite and husband, Paul, of Overland Park; ten grandchildren, Ryan Nemechek and wife, Lydia, Gina Imrie and husband, Brian, Kurt Nemechek, Kristi Glaze and husband, Scotty, Rachel Lacy, Chad Willhite, Leah Willhite, Kaylea Nemechek, Erika Nemechek, Austin Nemechek; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle Nemechek, Jack and Grant Imrie, Katie Nemechek, Tyler, Brandon, Ryan and Adam Glaze; two brothers, Doug Nemechek of Colorado Springs, CO, Richard Nemechek and wife, Carol, of WaKeeney; four sisters, Charlotte Albers of Grinnell, Darlene Tomanek and husband, LaVerne, of WaKeeney, Betty Lipp and husband, Reginald, of Collyer, Mary Jo McClanahan and husband, Gary, of WaKeeney.


Preceding him in death was his wife, Marjorie; two brothers, George Nemechek and infant brother, Robert Nemechek; a son-in-law, Vern Lacy; and a daughter-in-law, Merry Nemechek.


Services for Bill were held Saturday, November 28, 2009 in Christ the King Catholic Church at WaKeeney, KS. Interment is in Christ the King Cemetery.


Memorials are suggested to masses or Christ the King Cemetery Fund and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672.


Services for Bill will be held Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Catholic Church at WaKeeney, KS. Interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery.


Visitation will be Friday, November 27, 2009, 5:30 – 7:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home with a vigil at 7:00 PM.


Memorials are suggested to masses or Christ the King Cemetery Fund and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672.