William 'Bill' Francis Vontz

William 'Bill' Francis Vontz

May 11, 1929 - Jan. 25, 2016

INDIANOLA, Neb. -- William "Bill" Francis Vontz of Indianola passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at Cambridge Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.

Bill was born on May 11, 1929, at his grandparents' home near Indianola to parents, Marion Henry and Elda Theresa (Colling) Vontz. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1947 where he participated in football, basketball and track and was a very respected athlete.

On June 3, 1948, he was united in marriage to Nadina Marie Moore at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola. To this union five children were born. They made their home on a farm north of Indianola, where they would remain until their retirement.

Bill was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church where he served on the board as a trustee. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, McCook Elks Lodge No. 1434, and McCook Eagles. He served on the Board of Directors for both I & RW Co-op and Hillcrest Nursing Home.

He was an avid sportsman throughout his life. As a young man, Bill played town team baseball. He refereed football and later mostly basketball for many years. The highlight of his career was being chosen to referee at the state basketball tournament. He was an avid fan of Nebraska Cornhusker football and Kansas City Royal's baseball teams. He grew up in a family that loved to play cards and that passion continued throughout his life time. In any given day you could find Bill and his friends or family in a game of cards.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Marion and Elda Vontz; his wife, Nadina Vontz on April 23, 2000; infant son, Richard Vontz; and three brothers, Cliff, Phil and Larry Vontz.

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Gloria and husband, Keith Shepherd, of McCook and Mary Jo and husband, Don Longnecker, of Indianola; two sons, Edward Vontz and wife, Sally, of North Platte and Randy Vontz of Indianola; 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron Vontz and wife, Marilyn, of Glendale, Arizona and Tom Vontz and wife, Joyce, of Buttonwillow, California; special friend, Esther Zuehlsdorf of Indianola; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the St. Catherine's Church Hall Renovation Fund.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, from 9 a.m. until time of rosary at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend condolences to the family.

Rosary will be recited Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Greg Pawloski as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook is in charge of the arrangements.