William Saalfeld

William L. 'Bill' Saalfeld

May 2, 1950 - March 1, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- William L. "Bill" Saalfeld, age 62, of McCook, Nebraska, passed away at the UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 1, 2013.

Bill was born in Columbus, Nebraska, on May 2, 1950, to Dennis and Betty (Wilch) Saalfeld. He grew up in Richland, Nebraska, and graduated from Schuyler High School in 1968, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, wrestling, track and field and American Legion Baseball.

On July 17, 1969, Bill joined the US Navy, proudly serving as a Seabee in a Naval Construction Battalion. He was honorably discharged. After being discharged from active duty, Bill attended Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, graduating with a degree in construction management. Bill continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve until his Navy retirement in 1991.

Bill, known as "Boone" to many of his Schuyler friends, married Pamela Odgaard in September 1973 and to that union their daughter, Julie, was born. On Sept. 29, 1984, he was united in marriage to Mindy McCann in St. Paul, Nebraska and to this union two children were born: Ryan and Jaci. Bill and his family lived in Gibbon, while he worked construction in Kearney. The family moved to McCook in September 1987, when Bill went to work for DAYCO (Parker-Hannifan) until his retirement last year.

Bill was an avid sports fan. He coached McCook Rebel softball and attended many Bison sporting events. In his free time, Bill enjoyed fishing or watching Nebraska football. He was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, Chris Hansen Post 203 of The American Legion in McCook and the McCook Optimist Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Matt McCann.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mindy of McCook; two daughters, Julie and husband, Brian Lee of Wellington, Colorado; Jaci Saalfeld of Kearney; son, Ryan and wife, Alyssa Saalfeld of Kearney, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Cooper and Layton Lee; and brother, Leland and Lauren Saalfeld of Ecuador, South America.

Funeral services will be at the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lance Clay officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska. Military committal will be by the Chris Hansen American Legion Post 203 of McCook.

Memorials may be left in Bill's name at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Visitation will be Monday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com

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