WILLIAM BUNDSCHU

WILLIAM BUNDSCHU William (Bill) Bundschu (1931 to 2025) peacefully died Thursday, May 22, 2025, after a brief hospitalization. He was predeceased by his wife (since 1956) Elizabeth (Betty) Bundschu, parents Charles (C.C.) Bundschu and Ellen O'Leary Bundschu, and siblings Barbara Childers, Sis Whitman and Chuck Bundschu. He is survived by his children Lindsay Voitik (Skip), Barbara Deal (Rob), Tony Bundschu (Holly) and Beth Bresette (Jeff). He has seven grandchildren, Colin Bundschu, Christian Bundschu, Caroline Deal, Alex Deal, Lauren Seaver, Will Bresette and Andy Bresette. He has one great-granddaughter, Ellie Seaver, and a great-grandson, Shepherd Bresette, with another great-grandson expected this summer. Bill grew up in Independence graduating from William Chrisman High School. He graduated from Duke University Undergraduate (A. B. Degree, class of 1953) and Law Schools (JD degree, class of 1956). He kept high school and college friends throughout his life. A lifelong learner, he earned a Master of Laws (LLM degree) and a Masters in History degree from UMKC. While in college, Bill was a member of the USMCR and was called up for active duty for two years during the Korean War. He was a loyal Marine, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After college, Bill practiced business law at the Popham, Conway, Sweeney, Fremont and Bundschu Law Firm. An avid endurance athlete, he ran on track teams as a student, was a Chrisman Front Line member, ran in multiple marathons, and rode in many bicycling events. Bill bicycled to his 40th and 50th Duke Law School reunions in Durham, N.C., from Independence. He also bicycled the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Oregon Trail, and Route 66. He organized and oversaw many Bundschu Annual Memorial Day Bike Rides through the historic cemeteries of Independence. These were large, fun community events followed by picnics. Bill maintained his dedication to working out all his life. Bill was an author who wrote and published many articles and books, including "Abuse and Murder on the Frontier: The Trials and Travels of Rebecca Hawkins 1800-1860", "The A. J. Bundschu Company The Dominant Store of Independence", and "The Three Martini Lunch". He will be remembered as a devoted son, husband, father and brother. He was joyous, enthusiastic, and dedicated to his family and friends and many causes. Volunteering and serving his community were a consistent theme throughout his life. Every Saturday you could find him in downtown Independence, having breakfast at Dave's Bakery with family and friends. He will be remembered for his tremendous love and support for his family and greatly missed. Bill will be laid to final rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence in the Bundschu Plot. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2 - 4 p.m. at The Meadows Community Center located at John Knox Village (1820 N.W. O'Brien Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081). Please see his obituary at www.kccremation.com for more details. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Travis Hopkins Memorial at www.OurISDF.org > Donate > Comments: "Travis Hopkins Memorial," or by mail to: ISD Foundation, 201 N. Forest Ave., Independence, MO 64050.