William H. Elder Jr., 90, died at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance on Sunday, February 8, 2015.
Bill was born north of Hemingford on the family farm/ranch April 23, 1924 to William H. and Christina (Gasseling) Elder, Sr. William grew up on the family farm-ranch milking cows, raising hogs, Cattle, chickens, horses, wheat, oats and other various crops. He rode his faithful pony MaryLegs to school as a small child. Bill graduated from Hemingford High School in 1942. After high school he continued farming/ranching and did some part time construction work.
On October 13, 1944 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in World War II in Japan. William was assigned with Service Company 35th infantry regiment 25th Division as a rifleman and truck driver. He fought in the battle of Luzon and was honorably discharged on November 23, 1946. Bill received the Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also the recipient of the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one Bronze Star.
Upon returning home he met and married a wonderful woman, Doris M. Gregg on Nov 22, 1951 at St Bridget’s Catholic Church in Hemingford NE. To this union four children were born; James, Howard, Julie and Billie Jean.
He was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Hemingford Legion Post #9, Farmers COOP and the Hemingford Cooperative Telephone Company. He was active in his family’s lives in everything, especially 4-H and FFA. He served as the Hog Superintendant for a number of years and faithfully attended the Box Butte County Fair; he also served as a Grand Marshall.
William is survived by his Son; James (Vicky) Elder of Marsland, Julie (Mike) Kresl and Billie Jean Elder all of Hemingford, Daughter-in-law Barb (Max) Franey of Chadron. Bill is also survived by six grandchildren; James (Tammy) Elder Jr. of Hemingford, Valery (Chad) Bell of Alliance, Andrew (Samantha) Kresl of Hemingford, Sean (Shari) Franey of Beaverton OR, Blythe Franey of Chadron and Nathan (Angela) Franey of Tucson, AZ. He also leaves behind six Great Grandchildren; Cassie Elder of Chadron, Hadley Elder of Hemingford, Gavin & Gattlen Bell of Alliance, Gracey Franey of Beaverton OR, and Joeie Elizabeth Kresl of Hemingford. Sister-in-law Alice (Richard) Elder of Alliance and host of cousins and friends survive him too.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Doris on February 15, 2009, his parents, his brother, Richard, his son, Howard, his aunts, Mamie Hollinrake, Lyda Kuhn, Rose Combs Rudisill, and Josephine Tschacher and his uncles, Lennis Rudisill (Elder), Clyde Elder and Frank, Edward, John, Leo, William, and Donald Gasseling.
Funeral services will be Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hemingford with Father John Kakkuzhiyil officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Hemingford Cemetery. A Rosary service will beWednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Hemingford.
Memorial Donations can be made to Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association or Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.