William W. “Bill” Sanger, 82

William Wayne Sanger was born August 31, 1941, in Bassett NE to Eldon and Zerelle (Peterson) Sanger. He passed away on December 6, 2023 at Bassett.

Bill attended Rock County Schools, graduating from Rock County High School in 1959. Following graduation, Bill attended Wayne State College and the College of Business in Omaha. Bill married Bonnie Kapperman on August 27, 1961. Bill and Bonnie were blessed with twins Jeff and Vicki on February 3, 1965.

Early married life saw Bill delivering milk for Gillette Dairy. However, the grocery business was in his blood. He and Bonnie purchased McCartney’s Locker in 1965 and Sanger’s Market was born. He continued to run the business until it was purchased by George and Vicki Friedrich in 2001. Even in retirement Bill loved to come and give his advice on a daily basis. Bill was involved in four other grocery stores and was on the executive board of Affiliated Foods for 30 years.

Despite being busy with work, Bill made time to follow and support his kids in their many activities. His support continued through grandkids and great-grandkids. He was an avid fan of sports and activities rooting on teams from the Rock County Tigers and North Central Knights to the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and of course, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Bill was very community-minded. He supported Rock County in every way possible. One of his favorite ways to support the local businesses was by meeting twice a day with all of his “coffee guys” where all of the world’s problems were solved. He was very proud of our little community.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie; his parents, Eldon and Zerelle; In-laws Harry and Ella Mae Kapperman; and his brother, Larry.

He is survived by his son, Jeff (Kelly) of Broken Bow, their children Paul and Joelle of Lincoln; his daughter, Vicki (George) Friedrich of Bassett, their children Alyx (John) Klosterman and Jake (Lacey) Friedrich all of Bassett; three great-grandchildren, Quinn and Aiden Klosterman and Haven Friedrich; and brother-in-law, Garry Marcellus of Atlantic, IA; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Bassett Methodist Church in Bassett, officiated by Pastor Jenice Epp. CD selection, “Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley was played. All other musical arrangements were accompanied by JoAnn Swanson. Casketbearers were Jim Anderson, Bernie Hart, Steven Camp, Derek Camp, Carter Camp and Reilly Hoch. Honorary Casketbearers were The Methodist Mafia and Coffee Club Friends. Interment followed in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to the Bassett Methodist Church or Rock County Hospital in Bill’s name.

Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com