William F. "Bill" Ambuehl

William "Bill" Fred Ambuehl, age 87, of Crystal River, Florida, formerly of Highland, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on August 24, 1937, in Highland, Illinois, Bill was the son of Raymond and Selma Ambuehl and grew up in a life rooted in family, faith, and farming. Bill's early education began in the one-room Kaufman School on Route 60, where he helped his father, the school treasurer, by delivering his teacher's paycheck. He graduated from Highland High School in 1955 and began working alongside his father and brother on the family dairy farm on Ambuehl Road. In 1959, Bill married the love of his life, Glory, and together they built a life defined by hard work, deep love, and family. They were married for 66 years and raised two children: Tammy Ann Ambuehl and Michael "Mike" Bruce Ambuehl. Mike began farming with Bill at a young age, following in his father's footsteps. Throughout his life, Bill worked tirelessly. In addition to dairy and hog farming, he worked at Basler Electric, served through the Union Hall, drove a concrete truck, and helped build Route 70. The family farm moved from Old Ripley to the Lunitz Farm and eventually to the Ambuehl homestead following his father's passing. Bill loved the outdoors. When he wasn't farming, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he cherished time spent at the family's lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks. Weekends and summers there were filled with memories of his children and grandchildren. He once even did a backflip off an inflatable trampoline while vacationing with his cherished friends-just one example of his adventurous and fun-loving spirit. Bill also held a record for the Cape Girardeau to St. Louis Arch boat race. After retiring from farming and passing the family operation on to the Rinderer family, he and Glory moved to Crystal River, Florida, where they started a cattle ranch and embraced a new chapter of country living. Bill was a man of deep civic involvement and generous leadership. He served as President and District Director of the Highland Jaycees, was given Life Membership, and was honored as Senator #23417. He also served as President, Lieutenant Governor, and District Governor of the Highland Optimist Club; President of the Highland Lions Club; and President of the Highland Moose Lodge, where he was recognized as a Moose Fellow. He was also a dedicated member of the Evangelical Church and the Evangelical Church Brotherhood, and was active in the Highland Sportsman's Conservation Club, the Highland Pistol & Rifle Club, the Helvetia Sharpshooters Society, and the National Outboard Association. He gave back through Meals on Wheels, served on the local American National Red Cross Board, and the Army Selective Service Board. He also worked as a licensed real estate salesman with Holzinger, Brown, and Equity 55. He was honored to serve as Godfather to Debra Combs. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Selma Ambuehl; his brothers, Roland and James; and his beloved children, Tammy and Mike. His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Glory; his granddaughters, Tara Raye Wells and Laura Kaye Moran; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Abby Ann Wells, Baylie Marie Wells, Deklin Ryan Moran, and Reagan Eve Moran. Tara's husband, Thomas Wells, and Baylie's fiancé, Caden King, were also special parts of Bill's extended family. Bill will be remembered for his enduring work ethic, playful spirit, unwavering service, and the deep love he shared with all who knew him. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Optimist, Highland Lion's Club or Mooseheart Child City & School (payable to Moose Charities).