William "Bill" Offenburger

He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Sams, roller skating at the Chariton Roller Rink. Two years later on June 3, 1956, they were united in marriage in Knoxville, Iowa by Elizabeth’s cousin, Pastor Fred Dietderich at the Parsonage of the Knoxville First Baptist Church. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and became an active member serving in the First Baptist Church in Chariton as Deacon, trustee, and youth leader. He participated in many activities for the church in maintenance and physical plant support.

In 1958, they moved to the farm where they currently reside. They were blessed with three children: Connie Rae, Andrew Scott, and Randy Joe. In 1964, they built a new house on the farm. Bill served as President of the Lucas County Fair Board and served on the FSA County Committee. He was a Liberty Township trustee for over 12 years. He was a conservation-minded farmer with the first tile outlet terraces in Lucas County. He also had one of the first Vermeer round balers in the county and gave no-till planting and cover crops early adoption on his farm. 

His love was farming, family, and the Lord. His ornery streak as a youngster tested his parents as an only child. He had a short fuse in his younger years. He enjoyed trying new ideas and encouraged his children to try new things, too. He had many short sayings. Like “as long as you put your feet under my table, you will answer to me” and “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

He and Elizabeth started each day with prayer and devotions, a practice which he imparted to his children. Sunday was the Lord’s Day with Sunday School, Church, and evening Church services, a day spent with the family, fellowship and resting. He enjoyed reading the Christmas Story from the book of Luke in the Bible, prior to opening Christmas presents with the family. He never missed providing "his sweetie" with a corsage on Mother’s Day.

He was involved in the activities of his children and grandchildren in 4-H, school activities, and sports. He made sure every grandchild had their own Hereford cow when they were born. He had limited hobbies but loved to take pictures of life’s events. He always wore a cap, enjoyed his belt buckle collection and miniature Farmall tractors, along with reading history books on the International Harvester Company. He enjoyed ice cream, glazed donuts, and took pride in a mowed yard. He was active in building on the farm; barns, sheds, and a house. He was committed to his family, faith, values, and country. He walked the talk, straight and strong. He was a wonderful husband, father, granddad and great-granddad. He was proud of his Indian Heritage along with his dark hair carried to the end and was always able to get a natural tan through his shirt. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Wanda Mae Offenburger; brother-in law, Milton (Sammy) Sams; mother-in law, Virgie Sams; Aunt Ruby Fenton; as well as a host of Aunts and Uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of 67 years; children: Connie and Dr. Larry Hirschy, Andrew and Brenda Offenburger, and Randy and Cindy Offenburger; grandchildren: Luke and Jenny Hirschy, Isaac and Christy Hirschy, Hannah and Christopher Querrey, Benjamin and Hannah Offenburger, Noah Offenburger and friend, Kenzie Smith, Emma Offenburger, and Tate Offenburger; great grandchildren: Jonah, Oliver, and Simon Hirschy, Eve, Ezra, Boaz, Tovin, and Zara Hirschy, Cahde, Callahn, Cohler, and Cahble Querrey, and Eyla and Ivan Offenburger.