Wilbert Edward "Bill" Asper

1935 - 2025

Wilbert Edward "Bill" Asper

September 1, 1935 - September 24, 2025

Wilbert Edward "Bill" Asper, of Las Vegas, Nevada, originally of Chenoa, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 24, 2025, at the age of 90.

Bill was born on September 1, 1935, in Joliet, Illinois, the eldest son of Orville Wilbert and Elverta Minnie Erdman Asper. Raised on the family farm southeast of Chenoa, Bill completed the first eight years of his education in the one-room Yates Center School before attending Chenoa High School where he was heavily involved in music, academics, and athletics. Bill lettered in football, basketball, and track, notably scoring 4 touchdowns in one game as the senior captain.

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Bill went on to the University of Illinois where in 1957 he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After fulfilling his ROTC commitment with commissioning as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Bill launched an international career in the oil industry that took him to Germany, Texas, Guam, California, and Liberia.

Throughout his adult life Bill contributed to his communities, including membership in service organizations like the Lions Club and Rotary Club. In Guam he founded the local Junior Achievement program. A lifelong Lutheran, Bill was frequently a church officer, choir member, and Sunday School teacher.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Maylou "Mimi" Sarabia Asper; and their daughter Alessandra (Adam Dushman) Asper (Las Vegas, N.V.). With his first wife Marian Gentes Asper Brown, Bill is survived by daughter Lisa Asper (Sydney, Australia); and sons Wilbert Ryan (Jennifer) Asper (Katy, Texas), and Alan (Bijou) Asper (Lisle, Ill.); along with grandchildren Michael Buckland, Julia Buckland, David Buckland (all of Sydney, Australia), Katherine Schaefer (Houston, Texas), Nicholas Asper (Austin, Texas), Giampaolo Asper (Lisle, Ill.); step-granddaughter Kailey Matula (Houston,Texas); and ten great-grandchildren.

Bill is also survived by sisters Marion Kay (Chris English) Wolff (La Quinta, Calif.), Constance "Connie" (Tom) Cameron (Orlando, Fla.), and Cheryl (George) Elzy (Lexington, Ill.).

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his younger brother Orville Lee "Pat" Asper; and one great-grandchild.

Memorials in Bill's name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

A celebration of life and remembrance in Las Vegas is planned for later this fall.