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William Gannon Obituary
William 'Bill' Gannon, 60, of Grand Island, died on Friday, July 18, 2008 at St. Francis Skilled Care. He fought a courageous battle against lung cancer for the last three and a half years.
Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 25 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The Rev. Bill Pavuk will officiate. Burial will be at the Cedarview Cemetery in Doniphan.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island.
Bill was born Sept. 10, 1947, in Grand Island to Wilber and Eleanor (Schultz) Gannon.
Survivors of the immediate family include his wife, Erika; brothers and sisters-in-law, Greg and Sherryl Gannon of Wood River, Tim and Sue Gannon of Grand Island, Cliff and Connie Gannon of Grand Island; and sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Bob Schultz of Doniphan.
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Other survivors include 11 nieces and nephews and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.
Bill grew up and attended school in Grand Island. He graduated from Northwest High School in 1966.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1966 and spent three years in Germany, where he met his wife, Erika. They got married in Germany in 1969. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
Bill loved his cattle, farming and being involved in the rural community. He loved hunting, fishing and, most of all, helping others in need.
Bill was Santa to many children for the last 39 years. He had a positive attitude and great courage up to the very last day of his life.
Bill will be missed by both family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.
Memorials are suggested to be given in care of the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Gannon
20 Entries
JANE LOCKHART
August 20, 2008
Erika,
When I think of Bill....I remember the great smile and the twinkle in his eye that said..."Im going to play a trick on you." He loved you, and Ford Trucks. (I always wanted to sell him one),he appreciated angel pins, and I could always see his concern for others. He touched so many people. I will always remember his surprise 50th birthday party, and his laughter.
It has been my pleasure to have met this great guy. He will be missed by many.
Jane :-(
mary harb
August 10, 2008
Dear Erika,
There is not enough paper to describe our memories with Bill and you. They first started with skiing in CO. when we were all very young, (and the men had hair.) Bill couldn't wait til morning to leave, and would get us all going about midnight in couple of cars and our trusty CB's.Thus came MY name, "bushdog" (bill has a name for everyone), because we couldn't find anything open for a potty break. You can imagine, the guys going one way to find a bush, and the women the other, on a cold night in the middle of nowhere, with Bill howling like a coyote!
Then later in life, our circles entertwined again when we were both going through cancer treatment.
It seems like it is always easier to talk to someone who "has it, too." Bill was and inspiration throughout all his life, and especially at the end. He made the world a much better place. You fought the good fight, but I know Erika kept you alive. All I can imagine is Bill driving that pickup or scraper around in heaven, and making everyone laugh.
God continue to bless those left behind.
Mary and Dennis Harb,
Randy & Sheri Thompson
July 27, 2008
to Erica and all of the Gannon Clan,
Bill was the kind of guy you immediately liked as soon as you exchanged a few words with him. He will be missed.
Gina Hoffman
July 24, 2008
This is for Bill's sister, Susan, and all the Gannon brothers... I can't say I've ever known a more sincere, gracious, loving family. Bill is going to be missed by many, but his jolly personality and orneriness will certainly be remembered for a long time to come. I will always think of him with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye. The Gannon/Schultz clan has been so supportive and giving to all of us Hoffmans over the years. I feel like you all are family, and want you know we share your sorrow. God bless Bill for all the joy he inspired and all the friendships he cultivated!
Gerda Mayfield
July 24, 2008
I need to write a great Memory of experience we ALL had with Bill. Back in the late 70's we used to celebrate the Octoberfest at the Liederkranz. We german girls and Helmut did all the singing and entertaining, but Bill was our Backbone and Leader for ALL the Oktoberfests we did with Bill and Helmut. Bill made sure that every table was involved and up on their feet, no matter what age attended.
Bill danced with all of us and always brought enough shirts to keep up with all us german gals.
Erika was a great wife to Bill for sharing him with us and the dance floor.
Thanks you so much Bill and Erika for the great times you shared with all of us german girls.
No Party will ever come like the Oktoberfest attended by Bill and Erika.
Rest in Peace, Bill
Cheryl Lambrecht
July 24, 2008
Erika, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad that Bill was a part of our lives, many a days did I ride with him back and forth to see Mom and Dad from the Ranch. He was the best Santa anyone could ask for. I will always remember his smile and how he could always make you laugh. Gods Blessings to you. I know he is having a good time in heaven today.
Jim & Leolla Davis
July 24, 2008
We are so sorry to hear about Bill, Erika. Our hearts go out to you. We will miss his great smile and the world lost a GREAT Santa. We've known you for some time and had some great times after the Christmas parties. We still look for him whenever we see a county truck or blade. He always told Jim to give his wife a squeeze. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love
Mike and Bal Anderson
July 23, 2008
Hi Erika,
So sorry to hear about Bill. We've been so far away for so many years we never got a chance to spend much time together with any of the family and that is a shame as Mom has just passed away less than a year ago and now another Gannon isn't with us. We'll try and stop by next time we're home and please drop us a line if you get a chance.
Donna Beisner
July 23, 2008
Erika, My prayers are with you. I only knew Bill for a short time, but over the last couple of years i got to know a fun, loving man. I'll never forget the times I would be walking in the parking lot and I would hear someone yelling "Godzilla". I always knew he was around. Please take care of yourself and know he is in a better place looking down on us
Donna Beisner
July 23, 2008
Erika, My prayers are with you. I only knew Bill for a short time, but over the last couple of years i got to know a to a fun, loving man. I'll never forget the times I would be walking in the parking lot and I would hear someone yelling "Godzilla". I always knew he was around. Please take care of yourself and know he is in a better place looking down on us
Joshua Riley
July 23, 2008
Hi Ericka my sinecerst thoughts go to you and your family during your loss
Joyce Schurer
July 23, 2008
Hi Erika,
I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I didn't even know he was ill. That's what happens when friendship wane. I have thought about the two of you often over the years and wondered how you were doing. I have moved from Burwell to Palmer so if there is anything I can do for you please don't hesitate to get ahold of me. I miss you and will always miss Bill.
Joyce Whetstone Schurer
July 22, 2008
Hi Erika,
I want you to know we are thinking of you and wish we could be at the funeral. Thank you for being so wonderful and for showing us how to fight so bravely against cancer.
We love you!
Sandi, Jim, Lexi, Renae & Katie Proskovec
gene and claudia gannon
July 21, 2008
Our prayers are with you Erika. Sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral.
Tracy Wright
July 21, 2008
Erika,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was a great man and we will all miss him dearly.
Love,
The wright Family ~ Jeremey, Tracy, Kyle, ashley, and Ryan
Lynn Steinbeck
July 21, 2008
Our sympathy is with you at this difficult time. I knew Bill from when we were in high school, and know he will be missed. You are in my wife and my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn and Kay Steinbeck
Edel Thesenvitz
July 21, 2008
As I am sitting here reflecting on memories of a dear friend Bill, another good thought came to mind. When my daughter Diana got married 21 years ago, my parents from germany attended the wedding. My Dad got very emotional during the seremony and Bill & Erika stood by my parents side to take care of a touchy situation. They also was great help to us for sharing their home to my parents as we all came from Colorado for the wedding and had to stay at friends and family.
As it came time for our son to graduate from Senior High School, Bill and Erika again gave their home to us to give Tom a great graduation party, as I myself was gravely ill at that time, Bill and Erika was always there for us. Thank you again Bill & Erika.
Judy & Dan Culbert
July 21, 2008
Although we only knew you for a short time, we will remember you always.
Edel Thesenvitz
July 21, 2008
Our family has alot of great memories of Bill. One especially comes to mind, which happened about 35 Christmases ago. Our son Tom was about 2 years old when Bill visited our house as Santa Claus, which he did for so many years with great passion for the children of Bill and Erika's friends. As he came to the house and knocked on the door, than the "hohoho...merry christmas..." Tom just answered "Hi Bill"! It was totally hillarious as I answered my son :"It's NOT Bill, it's Santa Claus" and out came this big scream and crying from my son. Bill made some great memories for ALL of US. Thank you Bill and Rest In Peace!
Penny Albers
July 21, 2008
Erika, I'm sorry to hear about Bill. I always enjoyed having him up at the ranches in Burwell. My girls always enjoyed teasing back and forth with him. I'm glad I got to know him and will keep you in my prayers. Penny Albers (formerly Corbin)
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