William Wayne "Bill" Lohoefener

William "Bill" Lohoefener, 81, passed away at his home in Savannah, Georgia, on November 6, 2025, after a year-long illness.

Born in Oberlin, Kansas, on August 26, 1944, to Wayne and Mary Lohoefener, Bill grew up surrounded by the wide skies and wheat fields of northwest Kansas. He attended Oberlin Public Schools, graduating in 1963, and later earned his degree from Fort Hays State University after attending McCook Community College. From 1967 to 1969, Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Power Distribution Specialist. While stationed in Germany, Bill had many adventures, some sanctioned, most not, and he enjoyed sharing these memories with his family.

In 1972, Bill married his hometown sweetheart, Sharon Erickson. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. After spending several years in Evergreen and Denver, Colorado, they settled in North Platte, Nebraska, where they raised three sons-and later, a grandson-over the course of 47 years.
Bill was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed Boy Scouts, camping, water adventures, and his kids' sports. His love for animals kept their home bustling with dogs, cats, rabbits, and backyard creatures. The yard itself became a lively sanctuary, complete with fish ponds, birdhouses, and even a "squirrel village." It was a lot to manage, but Bill wouldn't have had it any other way.

Each summer, Bill looked forward to helping his father with the Kansas wheat harvest. He was a talented handyman who could fix just about anything, and he always had a project in the works. A lifelong learner, he was also an avid reader and a World War Il history buff. He cheered passionately for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Denver Broncos.

After more than 30 years with the Nebraska Department of Labor, where he retired as a Regional Manager, Bill embraced retirement wholeheartedly. In 2021, he and Sharon began a new chapter in Savannah, Georgia, enjoying the warm weather and southern charm. Retirement gave Bill time to travel across the United States visiting family and friends, embarking on cruises through Europe and the Caribbean. Yet, his favorite place was always home-with his family, a cup of coffee, and a donut in hand.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, and their loyal dog, Toby; sons Chad (Julie) Lohoefener of Tampa, Florida, Ryan Lohoefener of Phoenix, Arizona, and Brett Lohoefener of Ames, Iowa; grandchildren Cole Lohoefener of Hilton Head, South
Carolina, and Zoe and Oliver Lohoefener of Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by his brother, Ren (Lynne) Lohoefener of Vancleave, Mississippi; sister, Jo (Phil) DeYoung of Manhattan, Kansas; brother-in-law, Alan (Pat) Erickson of Colby, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Mary Lohoefener, and his in-laws, Erik and Jean Erickson, all formerly of Oberlin, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, GA 31406-a favorite family destination for hiking and animal watching.

Cremation was chosen, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.