William Bredemeier

William "W.B.B." Bernice Bredemeier, 69, died Saturday, October 11, 2008 at his home in Seneca, Kansas.

He was born February 28, 1939, the son of Bernice William and Estella Mussman Bredemeier, in Pawnee City, Nebraska. He attended elementary school at the Roger's School and the Prairie Grove School. He graduated from Bern High School, Bern, Ks, in 1957.

In his earlier years, Bill farmed with his father, worked as a meat cutter in Pawnee City and Seneca Grocery, worked at Winterscheidt Milling Company in Seneca, hauled milk for the Sabetha Creamery, and was an agent for Victory Life Insurance Company.

He attended the World Wide School of Auctioning in Mason City, Iowa and began as a part-time auctioneer in 1965. In 1967, auctioneering became his full time job and passion. He was honored by being assigned the position of Chief Auctioneer for the St. Joseph Stockyards, in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1969. Bill continued his career as Head Auctioneer at the Stockyards for 28 years, and was the owner of Great Plains Livestock Service. Other organizations that Bill was affiliated with include: American Buffalo Association, National Auctioneers Association, Bowman and Bredemeier Dairy Sales Auction Service, John E. Cline Real Estate Auction Service Business, Manhattan Commission Company, and South Coffeyville Stockyards. Bill traveled the country conducting Purebred Cattle Auctions in 30 states and even a few in Canada.
He had designed and founded the American Buffalo's Gold Trophy Sale in 1979 and had appeared in five World Champion Livestock Contests. He orchestrated and auctioneered the Great Plains Buffalo Spring Classic in Beatrice, Nebraska in the 90's.

Mr. Bredemeier held numerous other jobs in the past including raising registered Simmental and registered Shorthorn cattle, driving a bus for Nemaha Valley Schools, and most recently was working as a driver for Rail Safe, and had his real estate license.

He volunteered many hours to 4-H as an auctioneer, and was a past Grand Marshall of the Nemaha County Fair parade. He was also an auctioneer at the yearly Ducks Unlimited Auction.
He was a member of the Friedens United Church of Christ and served as President of the church board and as a lay minister.

Bill was a bowler for a few years, he liked to fish, he enjoyed singing, and he was always happy to go to a sporting event including volleyball, football, and basketball. In his life he was able to see Mount Rushmore, the Bad Lands, Custer State Park, Chimney Rock, Fort Cody, and most recently Yellowstone National Park. He enjoyed a good meal and could tell you the best restaurant in any town for any meal you desired.

Bill was married to Sharon K. Darnell at the Nazarene Church in Waldron, Arkansas on April 5, 1970.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; two sons, William R. Bredemeier, Seneca and Kevin Caskey, Glenpool , Oklahoma ; three daughters, Virginia Skoch, Hastings , Nebraska , Patricia Ehrsam, Seneca, and Jonna Johnson, Topeka ; a brother, Ronald Bredemeier, Pawnee City , Nebraska ; a sister, Betty Wenzl, Vermillion; thirteen grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 14 at 11:00 at the Friedens United Church of Christ, Bern . Pastor Ken Tubbesing will preside. Maggie Skoch will sing "I Know My Redeemer Lives" and Mike Skoch will be the organist. There will be pre-recorded selections of some of Mr. Bredemeier's favorite songs. Casket bearers will be Travis and Tanner Ehrsam, John, Tom, Ben and, Tim Skoch, and Jason and Joey Bredemeier. Honorary casket bearers Myron Battles, John Cline, Ivan Kanak, Dave Kramer, Leo Meyer, John Nunley, Linus Ronnebaum, and Terry Tegtmeier. Burial will be in Friedens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the William Bredemeier Memorial Fund to be distributed to various charities to be determined later. A visitation will be Monday, October 13 from 6:00 - 8:00, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary, Seneca.