William A. Patzell Jr.

1934 - 2024

William "Bill" Andrew Patzell, Jr. was born to Bill and Mary (Dale) Patzell on June 23, 1934 in Topeka. At the age of two, the family moved to Manhattan, where he spent the rest of his life.

He graduated Sacred Heart Academy, Manhattan, and then graduated St. Joseph's Military Academy in Hays. In the fall of l952 he enrolled at Kansas State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Fraternity.

Bill and Venita were married April 11, 1955 and began their love life which lasted 69 years. Bill started managing the Manhattan Floral Company in the early 60's and continued for nearly 40 years. Bill was an FTD association member and leader in the floral industry until his retirement in 1998. As owner and manager, he quickly developed a knack for being able to talk to anybody, anytime, about anything, and developed lifelong friends. It didn't matter if they were from Norman, Oklahoma, or Rome, Italy. His group of close friends grew through the 1990's culminating with a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party that is still talked about today.

Bill and Venita enjoyed retirement traveling with friends near and far and spending time with family.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, infant daughter Constance, step-mother Charlotte, Mary (sister) and Walt Pfanenstiel, brother-in-law Joe Jarboe, sister-in-law Rosetta Garnand, Daughters-in-law Patti (Chris) and Shari (Curt), and son-in-law Phil (Ann).

Bill is survived by Venita and their children Chris (Cathy) Patzell, Curt Patzell, Cindy (Rod) Esch, Ann Patzell, and Amy (Jamie) Lee. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jessica, Cortney, Andrew, Brett, Adam, Allie, Amy, Wendy, Corey and thirteen great grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Mary Will and Cheryl Robertson and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 29th, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Kerry Ninemire as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, April 28th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Parish Vigil will follow at 5:00 P.M. Sunday in the funeral home chapel.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.