William “Bill” James Ormsbee Jr
William “Bill” James Ormsbee Jr. died April 3, 2025, at the age of 78, peacefully in his home in Sibley, Missouri after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was a true gentleman, faithful servant to God, devoted husband, loving dad and father-in-law, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, caring brother and dear uncle. He will be missed for his quiet demeanor, ever-present smile, helpfulness, unwavering faith and humble dignity. Bill touched the lives of all who knew him.
Bill was born September 30, 1946 in Cheboygan, the son of William and Hazel (McClary) Ormsbee. He was called “Billy” by his family and school friends. He graduated from Onaway High School in 1964 before completing a year studying drafting at Alpena Community College. Bill married the love of his life, Kathryn “Kathy” Patricia (Pelletier) Ormsbee, October 23, 1965. They were married almost 40 years before Kathy preceded him in death in 2003. Bill and Kathy had two daughters, Andrea Kay Ormsbee and Christina Kay (Ormsbee) Rohlfs. Andrea proceeded him in death in 1987. Bill officiated the marriage of Christina and Robert Rohlfs and was blessed with two grandsons from their union.
Bill was raised and baptized in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He remained dedicated to his faith and his belief in the “Book of Mormon” throughout his life. For the past three decades, Bill was a member and served on several committees of the Buckner Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman in Michigan enjoying hunting, camping, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, swimming, water skiing, hiking and family picnics on state land. After moving to Missouri, Bill intentionally gave up the sport of hunting but still continued to enjoy outdoor activities. In 2012, he completed the construction on his new house. On his farm, he tended a herd of 22 cattle and numerous catfish, groomed an extensive network of all-terrain vehicle trails, gardened, planted trees, cut wood and looked fo
In addition to his daughter, Christina Rohlfs, Bill is survived by his son-in-“love,” Robert Rohlfs; grandsons, Blaine (Molly) Rohlfs and Brock (MaryKate) Rohlfs; great-grandchildren, Penelope Rohlfs and Beckett Rohlfs; sisters, Sally Benham and Nancy Carpenter (William Clunie); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, wife, and oldest daughter, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Peacock; and brothers-in-law, Carl Peacock, Jerry Benham and Keith Fish.
The funeral and public burial service for Bill were held in Buckner, Missouri April 11. A recording of Bill’s funeral can be found under the sermon tab on the Bucker Restoration Branch website.
