William "Bill" Gasser

Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday August 20, 2023, at the age of 91 at the Nantucket Nursing Facility. He was married to his wife Sandra for 66 years.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Goldie Graber and Bernard Gasser. He joined the US Navy in 1952 during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska where he was introduced to the printing industry. After his service in the Navy, he came to Kansas City, Missouri and attended Kansas City University (UMKC) to become a pharmacist. While attending school he went on a blind date with a young lady who was a student at MU; that is when he met the love of his life, Sandra Ruben. They both completed their studies at Kansas City University, receiving their degrees in Pharmacy.
He worked for Katz Drugs Stores while Sandra worked for Rexall drugs in Shawnee, Kansas. In 1975, Sandra and Bill purchased the store and were among the first married pharmacists to work together, under the store name of Gasser Drugs. In 1978 the two went on to open and operate a pharmacy in John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri, while Bill still worked at Skaggs / Osco. A few years later Bill opened a second store, Dollar Drugs, in Lee's Summit, Missouri and once again they worked together for the next twenty years at that location, until they retired together.
Bill and Sandra enjoyed spending time together. They had many hobbies and interests including spending time with family, camping, and weekend trips to plant trees on their land. Bill excelled at whatever he put his mind to. He won many Blue Ribbons around the state for his photography. He built an array of sail boats and raced them every Sunday at local lakes. Later in life, he began growing dahlias in his backyard, becoming an active member of the local Dahlia Society. His dahlias were entered into competitions winning him several awards.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Sandra, and parents Goldie and Bernard Gasser. He is survived by his sister Barbara Weinstein and three children: Chuck Gasser (Andrea), Ben Gasser (Irene), Ann Myer, and eight loving grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 AM at Blue Ridge Cemetery 1901 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO, 64128.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations to any animal rescue organization or to the Jack and Sarah Ruben Family Fund at Kehilath Israel Synagogue be made.