William L. Osborn

William L. Osborn

Sept. 1, 1926 - June 26, 2012

The Best Husband, Dad, Granddad and Great-Granddad Ever

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- William ("Bill" or "Willie") Osborn, age 85, of Benkelman, Nebraska, passed away June 26, 2012 at the Dundy County Hospital.

He was born to Orian and Agnes Osborn at their home in Dundy County, Nebraska, on Sept. 1, 1926. He graduated from Parks High School and went to Tryon, Nebraska and worked as a ranch hand at the Huffman Ranch.

He married Naomi Lavell on April 30, 1949, at the Methodist Parsonage in Benkelman, Nebraska. They made their home in Benkelman and were blessed to have two children, Judy and Randy.

Bill was a dedicated, reliable and worked hard at the various jobs he held in Benkelman. He was employed by Justus Feed Mills, a custodian at Benkelman High School, manager at Dundy County Bowling Lanes, and then retired after 28 years of being a postal clerk with the Dundy County Post Office.

Besides being a dedicated worker, he was even more dedicated to his family. He loved playing with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Teaching and doing things with them that he loved to do; fishing, hunting, water skiing, bowling (which he was an excellent pin bowler), dancing (he was an excellent dancer especially with his best dance partner, Naomi), playing cards (pinochle, one of his favorites), cross-word puzzles, gardening, reading and traveling. His travels had taken he, Naomi, his kids and even at times, his grandchildren to Yellowstone National Park, the Black Hills, Colorado, Arizona, Lake Powell, Wyoming, Missouri, Iowa, Washington State and even celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orian and Agnes Osborn; brothers, Landy and Dale; and sisters, Viola and Elsie. Surviving him is his wife, Naomi; daughter, Judy Samuelson and husband, Curt of Littleton, Colorado; son Randy Osborn and wife, Judy, of Cottonwood, Arizona; grandchildren Danielle Miscio and husband, Matt, and great-grandchildren, Ryan and Cara of Superior, Colorado; Angie Klein and husband, Phil, and great-grandchildren, Grace, Caleb and Joshua, of Gilbert, Arizona; Stephanie Naimo and husband, Anthony, and great-grandchildren Ella, Bennett, Mason and Griffin of Camarillo, California; and Chad Osborn and wife, Sara, of Grand Junction, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother, Don Osborn and wife, Loraine of Benkelman, Nebraska; his sisters, Fay Lutz of Benkelman, Nebraska and her family and Ilene Erdman and husband, Earl, of Haigler, Nebraska and their families. He was a wonderful and good man who lived a full life and was an incredible blessing to his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and to everyone who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed and the memories of him cherished forever.

Bill's request was to be cremated and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on July 7, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Marcine Farmer officiating. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church or the Dundy County Senior Center.

Forch Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.