William E. Unrau passed away October 4, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. He was born in Goessel, Kansas, August 19, 1929, to William H. and Margaret Epp Unrau. Of Mennonite heritage, he grew up on a Kansas farm during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years near the historic Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. He was a member of the Bethany College faculty in Lindsborg, KS. from 1958 to 1965 and from 1965 to 1996 he was a member of the history faculty at Wichita State University where he was named Emeritus Distinguished Professor of History. He was known nationally as one of the leading historians of Native Americans. As a prolific scholar, he published eleven books and numerous articles about federal Indian policy and Indian/White relations. Bill's gregarious personality, his sense of humor and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife, Millie; sister, Averil Leach (Bob) of Sacramento, CA; two children and their spouses, Debbie and Tom McClellan of Wichita, KS, and Bill and Pam Unrau of Boulder, CO; and grandsons, Andrew McClellan of Wichita, KS and Rudy Unrau of Conifer, CO. A memorial service will be held November 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Boulder Mennonite Church. Kansas friends and family will gather in Wichita to celebrate Bill's life at a later date. Donations may be made to the Craig Miner-William Unrau Fund for Graduate Students at the Wichita State University History Department, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260.

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Published by The Daily Camera on Oct. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Unrau

15 Entries

Tom Kemper

December 22, 2016

I was a student of Dr. Unrau when I attended undergraduate studies at WSU from 1967-71. He was a major influence on my academic and work life. He loved movies and would often talk about the movies he'd seen. Everyone loved to attend his classes. My deepest sympathies to the family. He left an incredible legacy. I'm sorry I never got a chance to tell him that.

[email protected]

Pat Stoll

November 4, 2016

Millie thank you for leaving a note for me at the store. SO sorry to here about Bill. I would love for you to contact me. 303 881 0526 my parents appreciated your friendship.

Wilfred Danielson

October 23, 2016

Dr. Bill Unrau was my main teacher since I majored in history at Bethany in Kansas. Many of us liked especially his Great Issues course. I applaud his enthusiasm, scholarship, and friendship. It's an honor to have a sister, Lois, receive the Bethany award the year he did and for my brother, Laurence (Larry), to say that Bill was his best friend. Blessings. "Willy" (Bethany College, 1959)

David Haight

October 21, 2016

I never had a class under Dr. Unrau but he knew me and encouraged me during my time as a graduate student at WSU. It was a pleasure to have known him and I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Lois Carlson

October 20, 2016

It was a great privilege to have Bill as my history professor at Bethany College--a totally captivating class even though it wasn't necessarily my interest. I loved his lectures. It was an added bonus to be able to maintain periodic contact over the years--in Wichita, and through my brother and sister-in-law in Boulder. Sharing Bethany College's Alumni Merit Award presentation with him in 1997 humbled me enormously as I was in such awe of his intellect and accomplishments. My deepest sympathy to Millie and the entire family is the loss of this remarkable man. The world is diminished by his death--but so much more enlightened and compassionate for his having been here.

Leo Oliva

October 18, 2016

Bill Unrau was a true scholar and good friend. He was an inspiration to me and many other historians. His scholarship will live on and instruct future generations. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Terri MacKay

October 18, 2016

I was a student of Dr. Unrau in the 1970s, taking two History courses from him. I learned a lot in his classes and respected him greatly. It was a privilege to know him. My condolences to the family.

Bob Goehring

October 16, 2016

I still recall all the fun we had at Gluttony Society dinners way back when. Sorry for your loss. Bill was a great person to have known.

Myron Webster

October 15, 2016

Bill Unrau had an office across the hall from Albert Parker with whom I worked for on and one-half semesters during my graduate work. I was fortunate enough to take his Trans-Mississippi West course during that time. I was privileged to have him attend a guest lecture I gave on one of my trips back to the university. As has been noted he was a gentleman and a scholar!!! Take comfort in our faith that one day all believers in Jesus Christ will be reunited in Heaven. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also." John 14:2-3

Charlotte Beahan

October 15, 2016

I had the privilege of teaching with Dr. Unrau in the History Department of Wichita State in the 1970s. His kindness, humor and erudition were unforgettable. My condolences to his wife.

Walter King

October 14, 2016

I always remember his teaching me the correct pronunciation for the Arkansas River during his Kansas History course. A fine scholar. MA History, 1970

Guyetta Monroe-Martin

October 14, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about Dr Unrau passing. He was a Gentleman and a Scholar. He wrote several books about my Tribe He was a Friend to the Kanza People. Rest in Peace Friend.

Debbie Estes {Stiner}

October 14, 2016

So sorry for your loss Deb n Tom and Andrew. The Kaw Nation lost a great friend

Ad Astra (Kaw Warrior atop the Capitol).

Pauline Sharp

October 14, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss! Bill was a great friend of the Kanza (Kansa/Kaw) People. He did so much to preserve our history and the history of Kansas. I worked at WSU when he thought there. He was always generous with his time and gracious sharing his knowledge. As Vice-President of the Kaw Cultural Committee, I want to extend deepest sympathies from our people. Wíblaha (thank you) friend. Rest in Peace.

October 14, 2016

Debbie and Bill - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was one of my favorite professors. He was a member of my senior honors thesis review committee. I still have a love of Native American history because of him. He made a difference in my life.

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