William E Badertscher

William Eugene Badertscher, 85, of rural Tecumseh, passed away at his home January 10, 2017. He was born to William and Hilda (Jochim) Badertscher on March 9, 1931 on the family farm southwest of Tecumseh, Nebraska.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Maple Grove) south of Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Bill served on the Church Board for six years and also served on the Maple Grove Home Board for many years. The Maple Grove Community was very important to him. 

William attended rural school district #49 south of Tecumseh through eighth grade and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1949. 

William entered the Air Force December 28, 1950 and served until his honorable discharge on December 8, 1954, serving 10 months in Korea during the Korean Conflict.  Following his discharge from the service, Bill worked road construction from 1955-1956, working on Highway 50 north to Syracuse and south of Tecumseh.  He then worked at Grosse Produce from 1957-1971.

On September 15, 1957 William was united in marriage to LeOta Grable at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Broadway Street in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  To this union, three sons were born, Daryl, Steven, and Scott.  When they were first married they lived in Tecumseh for about 6 months at which time they purchased an acreage north of Tecumseh in 1958 and lived there the remainder of their lives.  In October of 1971 Bill began working as a heavy equipment operator for Johnson County and ran the road grader for 25 years, retiring from Johnson County Department of Roads in October of 2001 after 30 years of employment.  Bill and LeOta loved to go to the local dances and made many trips to the Pla Mor Ball Room for a night of dancing as well.  Together they enjoyed going to play productions at the Lofte Theater, taking local bus tours and working outside on the acreage.  He took a great amount of pride in keeping an immaculate property and the birds and squirrels were always very well fed.  

Attending his grandchildren’s sporting activities and musical events was very special for Bill as was a trip to see the grandchildren in Iowa. He was so proud of all of them.  Bill enjoyed watching Husker Volleyball and Football, RFD TV, and keeping up with the local news.  He and LeOta helped with Meals on Wheels for many years and could always be counted on to help with the Avenue of Flags in the local courtyard.  Bill loved attending tractor pulls and local farm auctions watching others make purchases as he never, “needed anything”.  His wife, LeOta passed away December 17, 2011.  After her passing, Bill enjoyed coffee with the local town guys and continued to enjoy his family.

Bill was a very simple man and was always grateful for his many friends and family.  Material possessions were not at all important to Bill and everything he did have was well cared for.  Every day was a gift from God and a good day in Bill’s eyes. He was always known to be very compassionate to those around him.  The love and affection he had for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was amazing. 

Bill is survived by his sons, Steve Badertscher and wife Sharon of Sac City, Iowa and Scott Badertscher and wife Laurie of Tecumseh.  Five grandchildren, Cara Pedersen and husband Tyler, Jarren and wife Jessica Badertscher, Lindsey Badertscher, Grant Badertscher and Garret Badertscher, step grand-children, Brent Erritt, Briana Fauth and husband Lorne, seven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sisiter-in-law, LaVeda Bohling of Tecumseh,  step brother-in-laws, Wayne Geyer and wife Marilyn of Elk Creek and Harold Zabel of Omaha. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, LeOta, son, Daryl Badertscher, brother-in-law, Ivan (Ike) Bohling and sisters-in-law, MarCella Goracke and husband Lawrence and step sister in law, Mary Ann Zabel.           

    Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Maple Grove) Church, southwest of Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Eric Biehl officiating.

   Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Friday, January 13, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

   Private family inurnment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

   Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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