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William Sunderwirth Obituary
William Clarence "Dr. Bill" Sunderwirth passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 26, 2014.
Dr. Bill leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Karen L. (Daily) (Hammer) Sunderwirth, and several children and stepchildren: Paula (Sunderwirth) Guernsey, Jama (Sunderwirth) Eidson, Lisa (Sunderwirth) Lawrence, Stacy (Sunderwirth) Caraway, Donald Hammer, Karen J. Hammer, Bruce Hammer, and Mary (Hammer) Reichard. He married Wilma Jean Payne in 1950 and they had four daughters. He married Karen Lou Daily in 1968. He leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 5 great-children, brother- in -law Rich Randol, nieces and nephews, and his beloved friends as well as his cat, CPO.
He was born December 29, 1926 in Burlington, Kansas to Clarence and Ruth (O'Rear) Sunderwirth. The youngest of three children, his sisters were Ruby Ruth (Sunderwirth) Randall Sunderwirth and Betty (Sunderwirth) (Belcher) Pollard. They and their parents preceded him in death, with Betty passing away just two days before Dr. Bill.
Dr. Bill practiced medicine for 51 years as a board certified general practitioner, a career he chose at age five. After serving as a Corpsman in the Navy from 1944-46, Dr. Bill graduated from the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1953. He interned at Wetzel Hospital in Clinton, MO and began his medical career in El Dorado Springs, MO where he practiced with his father, Dr. C.H. Sunderwirth. In 1979 he moved to Springfield, MO where he practiced until he retired in 2004 at age 77. During those years, Dr. Bill trained many student doctors and he was careful to teach the compassionate side of medicine. He was beloved as a doctor who listened well, cared greatly and treated all with dignity wherever he went.
Dr. Bill provided care to people in nursing homes, house calls, at his office, and even when he met them on the street. He and Karen saw fifty patients or more every day in their medical office, turning no one away regardless of ability to pay. He often said, "We took care of a lot of poor people. We never had a patient that we didn't like." He delivered thousands of babies and sat at deathbeds to offer comfort. He was an exemplary physician and a fine representative of his profession.
Recognition came often. A few examples: Family Physician of the Year, Jefferson Award, Missouri Osteopathic Medallion Award. He was active in civic organizations throughout his life: President of the Ozark, Southwest, and West Central Districts of the Osteopathic Association; State Delegate for the Osteopathic profession; Chamber of Commerce; Boy Scouts; Freemasons; North Springfield Betterment Association; Missouri Foxtrotters; Rotary Club, and many others.
His final 2 ½ years were spent at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO, where he tended his roommate and pushed those in wheelchairs to the cafeteria. He was still helping friends on his final day. He served as president of the resident's council there. As he had throughout life, he arose at 5 AM for coffee and the news to inform him for a rousing discussion later in the day.
Dr. Bill loved and appreciated his fellow veterans and the excellent care he received from staff at the Missouri Veterans Home.
He loved his family, riding horses and visiting with friends. Everyone was his best friend. The most important thing to him: belief in Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead.
No kinder man, no gentler soul, no better doctor. Dr. Bill, you will be missed.
Friday, August 1, 2014 at noon: Missouri Veteran's Cemetery interment ceremony, 5201 S Southwood Rd, Springfield, MO.
Saturday, August 9, 2014 an opportunity to sign a guest book and offer condolences for Dr. Bill will also be at the memorial for his sister Betty Pollard at Sheldon Funeral Home, 2111 Missouri 32, El Dorado Springs, MO. Visitation noon, service 1 pm.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to: Central Christian Church, 1475 N. Washington Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. Mention it is for Culture Club in honor of Dr. Bill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Sunderwirth
Keith and Lori Herring
July 24, 2025
Another year gone by, and Dr. Bill is still part of our daily conversations... his wit and wisdom timeless.
Cyndee S Scott
July 27, 2023
Dr Bill was an amazing man, doctor and friend. Very caring of his patients and their families.
Keith and Lori Herring
July 24, 2022
On this anniversary of Dr. Bill´s passing, we share that Dr. Sunderwirth´s skill and kindnesses continue to bear fruit. He lives on in our hearts and in the bodies of our families that he guarded so well. May God bless and keep Dr. Bill´s family and may they know peace for a life so well-lived.
Keith and Lori Herring
July 24, 2021
On this anniversary of Dr. Bill´s passing, we want you to know that he is missed every single day. As we navigate our golden years and the health issues those bring, we recognize ever more clearly just how rare an individual Dr. Bill was. Patient, kind, insightful, and wonderfully skilled, he was/is like no other...he has no peer. Continued prayers for Mrs. Sunderwirth and his family are lifted always.
Karen Sunderwirth
July 26, 2020
Six years ago today was the worst day of my life. He will be missed every day. I was blessed to have him in my life as was my family.
Lori Herring
July 24, 2020
It is July of 2020, and rarely a day goes by that Dr. Bill and another of his kindnesses is recalled by our family. Even gone from our presence he is not gone from our lives. Remembering him with love and gratitude,
Keith and Lori Herring
Charlie/Janie White
July 24, 2019
My sister Linda Clark worked for Dr. Bill and thought the sun rose and set in him. Dr. Bill was a wonderful man, so kind and caring. The world is diminished by his death. God bless his family.
Corinna Babcock
August 20, 2014
I will light a candle in your memory.
Robert Hufft
August 5, 2014
Bill was a very capable and caring physician. For years I enjoyed participating in the orthopedic care of his patients and in later life running into him and Karen having breakfast at Bob Evans. once my son and I had a memorable trail ride with him as he extolled the pleasures of his Foxtrotter horse. He was a modern throwback of a loving physician, having the horse and lacking only the buggy!! God speed. Bob Hufft
Caroline Dillard
August 4, 2014
Compassion totally decribes Dr Bill.
He cared so greatly for his patients. He was the first Dr to call me at home, on a Sunday afternoon, after reading an article. He cared so much in diagnosing and treating my condition that he thought enough to actually call me at home, on his day off. What Dr does that? Dr Sunderwith did. I am sure he has heard his creator say "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your reward". May God Be With, Comfort and
Bless this family.
Belinda Gilmore and Kenneth Westerman
August 4, 2014
Dr. Sunderwirth was a kind and wonderful man and doctor. He will be missed greatly.
Kim Calvin
August 4, 2014
Dr. Bill delivered me and my brother. I was born in 1961 and my brother was in 1965, I think part of the reason I have never had a fear of going to the doctor, is because my memory as a child was a place where the doctor was kind and compassionate. Dr. Bill made house calls out to our farm when my grandpa was sick. He was also my father and mother's doctor. He will be missed.
Chuck Clark
August 4, 2014
Dr. Bill and Karen Sunderwirth hired my wife Linda Gingry Clark in 1984 upon her completing her LPN degree at Graff Vo-Tech in Springfield,MO. Linda thoroughly enjoyed working for Dr. Bill and Karen as they cared for countless patients whom they loved as members of their family. Linda never wanted to retire from nursing but had to when she died from small-cell lung cancer on 11 June 2000. Dr. Bill's patients wrote numerous "get-well" letters to Linda and Dr. Bill's office staff bent over backwards to help Linda and me through her last 18 months on this earth. Goodbye and thank you Dr. Bill for being our favorite family physician and friend. I am so glad that I got to see you and Karen while you were at the Veterans Home and wish I had visited you more often. May the Good Lord bless you and keep you and comfort Karen and your children,former patients, and friends who love you so much.
Alfred and Carol - Cousins from New York
Alfred and Carol Sunderwirth
August 4, 2014
We are deeply saddened by Bill's passing. He was a wonderful cousin, friend, playmate when we were young, counselor when we were older. We had fun reunions with him and Karen and once with the extended families. Such wonderful memories of a wonderful man. God bless the whole family
Karen Sunderwirth
August 2, 2014
His voice was the music in my life.
He was the gentle breeze that helped me go forward in trying times.
You were my guidepost.
The laughter, joy and caring he gave was a balm to my soul. I was so blessed and honored for just knowing him.
If I could, I would do it all over again.
Go with my love and may God bless you greatly. Always-
Your Wife
KT
Paula Whitfield Johnson
August 1, 2014
Dr. Bill was an amazing man, both as a doctor and as a friend to my parents. He kept in touch with Dad through the years, and even though Dad has severe Alzheimer's he always knew Dr. Bill. He was even able to have a phone chat with him a few weeks ago. I'm sure he's greeting old friends, and swapping jokes with Mom right now. My condolences for your loss, it's so hard to let an angel go back to heaven.
Cyndee Scott
August 1, 2014
Rest in Peace Dear friend, doctor and brother in Christ
July 31, 2014
I helped Dr.S. when he went out in the snow with a wheelchair to get a patient out of her car, to take over to the hospital. That left an impression on me that I have never forgotten. as his patient I always felt safe & cared for,as a co worker I was in awe that he cared so much for every one of his patients. One of a kind. RIP Dr.Bill. Retha Stroud
Heidi Campbell
July 31, 2014
I did not know this man, but his daughter, Mary & her family, we love. Apparently he gave her great lessons in life & love & so his legacy continues through his lovely daughter & her family. My heart breaks for your pain, but rejoices with you In knowing we will all be reunited when the trumpet blast sounds. God bless you all.
Bill Reichard
July 31, 2014
Sympathy and prayers go out to all of Bill's family and friends. I will always fondly remember the times I spent with Bill camping and riding horses. I truly enjoyed listening to his many interesting stories and his views on life. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Bill....
Cyndee Scott
July 30, 2014
Dr Bill was one of a kind, he was a special kind of person and doctor. Heart of golf and who do anything for anyone and will truly be missed. Dr Bill cared for my grandfather, my mom, myself and delivered my daughter as one of the last babies just he deliverd. God has reclaimed one of His angels.
Keith and Lori Herring
July 30, 2014
We first met Dr. and Mrs. Sunderwirth when as young parents we were sent to them in the middle of a difficult pregnancy. They took time and care of us as though there was not another patient waiting... We fell in love with the Sunderwirths, and inside of two years four generations of our family were proud to call William Sunderwirth our physician. We stayed with him until his retirement, and his lessons we use each day. "No one who is remembered ever really dies." Dr. Bill is reverently remembered.
Mary Reichard
July 30, 2014
No one has influenced me more or loved me more profoundly. Not sure how to live without him. I love you more than another day, and I would give anything to have one.
Gerald Nichols
July 30, 2014
In my work I met and became friends with Dr. Bill when he began practice in El Dorado Springs and until his retirement.
He was always a gentlemanand he and Karen provided medications to me for foreign missions,as well as donating their Schwinn bikes to my wife and I to use while in mission work in Romania(which we in turn passed on there).
May God provide comfort to the family in your loss.
Ettamae Waterman
July 30, 2014
Sorry for your loss . . . didn't know him personally, but he always had a friendly "good morning" at church.
Ettamae Waterman
Ray and Marian Rollings
July 29, 2014
Although we didn't know Dr. Bill well, we have heard many wonderful stories about him and his love of family from his son and our dear friend, Donald (Buddy) Hammer. May you find peace and comfort in Dr. Bill's love of Christ and his life well lived, and may you find joy in the wonderful family memories you share.
Cindy
July 29, 2014
Thank you, Dr. Bill, for being my second dad. Love you.
Randy Thomas
July 29, 2014
Dr. Bill was recommended to us when our
family doctor(Leland Wetzel)retired. He
became our doctor for many years. He
was doctor to our families. The Thomas,
Garrett's and Clark families. We want
you to know our thoughts and prayers
are with your family. You have lost a
very special man.
Randy and Barbara(Garrett)Thomas
Connie DeGeere
July 28, 2014
Dr. Bill was #1 He loved Karen and his children. Was so attentive to his patients. As a former employee and friend he was #1 in my heart
Nadine Perkins
July 28, 2014
Dr Bill was such a kind caring doctor to work with and was always helpful to me in the Medical Record Department at CCMH
July 28, 2014
Dr. Bill was always there with a hug and a smile. He will be missed.
Donald Hammer
July 28, 2014
Absolutely the best friend and father I ever had.
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