William "Bill" L. Ostermeyer

William Lyman Ostermeyer, 81, of Kilbourne, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026. Born on April 24, 1945, in Crawford, Nebraska, Bill was the son of Ralph and Dorothie Ostermeyer. He grew up on the family farm and could often be found with the animals or on a tractor. He graduated from Crawford High School, where he was active in athletics, music, and student leadership. After the death of his father in 1961, Bill assumed greater family responsibilities while completing his education. Following graduation, Bill proudly served four years in the United States Navy, including two years stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, before receiving an honorable discharge. Bill spent his career in the computer software industry, supporting national defense programs for government contractors while holding Confidential, Crypto, and Top Secret security clearances. His work included projects associated with Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and White Sands, New Mexico. He later retired from Caterpillar Inc. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, mountain man rendezvous, and historical reenactments. One of his favorite adventures was returning to Alaska for a moose hunting trip. He was also an accomplished artist, especially in chalk and pencil drawing. A lifelong Lutheran, Bill was baptized, confirmed, and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crawford, Nebraska, where his grandparents, the Ostermeyer and Rauscher families, were among the founding members. Bill is survived by his daughters, Wendy Koza of San Diego, California, and Taunya Rapley of Stuart, Florida; his grandchildren, Alyssa Koza, Reid Koza, Ryan Rapley, and Sawyer Rapley; and his sisters, Saundra Peterson and Cheryl McDuffie, both of Alliance, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Bill Ostermeyer to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Bill will be remembered for his love of family, his faithful service to his country, his adventurous spirit, and his quiet strength. Per Bill's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and he will be buried in the Nebraska Veteran's Cemetery in Alliance, Nebraska. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

William "Bill" L. Ostermeyer

April 24, 1945 - August 3, 2026

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