William A. “Bill” Wilson, 85, died February 13, 2023, at The University of Kansas Hospital, Great Bend Campus. He was born August 31, 1937, in Yates Center, Kansas, the son of Roscoe C. and Margaret D. (White) Wilson. Bill graduated from Yates Center High School in 1955, where he excelled in school and football as an end, wide receiver, and kicker. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics and education from Baker University in 1959, where he was a member and House Manager of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Bill later completed his masters at Fort Hays State College.
A lifetime educator, Bill taught science and math and coached in Courtland, Kansas, where he met the love of his life. On December 23, 1962, he married Linda M. Joerg in Courtland, Kansas. Together they moved to Bird City, where they were blessed with two daughters. Bill continued to teach high school physics, math, and computing, and coached at Bird City and later moved to Otis-Bison High School. In 1970, Bill took the job as the High School Principal at Claflin, where he also taught physics and computing, staying for 18 years. He later served as both the Principal and Superintendent at Palco for five years before returning to Claflin as Superintendent. In 2000 he retired from the La Crosse School District, where he had been Superintendent for three years.
Bill retired in Claflin, where he spent much time at the golf course and as a member of the Claflin Golf Club. He maintained the course there for several years. He was an avid hunter with his beloved Vizsla dogs and knew every corner of Cheyenne Bottoms, where he took his daughters to observe and learn about birds. He enjoyed watching songbirds at his bird feeders. In retirement he found ways to continue to support many area athletes, especially those that shared his love of golf. He built numerous sets of customized golf clubs, giving several sets to student athletes. He also reloaded shotgun and rifle shells for his friends. Bill was a member of the Claflin United Methodist Church.
Bill is survived by his daughters; Shari L. Wilson and husband Chris Steineger of Kansas City, and Dana Sheppard and husband Randy of Lyons; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Janie Wilson of Asheville, North Carolina; a cousin, Nadine Charlsen, of Asheville, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Austin Ferguson, Dalton Ferguson, Caitlin Medrud and husband Brandon, Kimberlee Sheppard and Dustin Sheppard; and seven great-grandchildren, Aiden Ferguson, Kingston Medrud, Avery Ferguson, Linda Ferguson, Elijah Aruya, Ryder Larcade, and Vivian Medrud; and many beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a great grandson, Wilson Wagner.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2023, with family to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2023, at Pleasant View Claflin Cemetery, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding.
Memorials may be made to the Claflin EMS or Claflin Golf Club in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.