William Schroer

William "Bill" Leon Schroer, 73, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Hastings and Lawrence, Nebraska passed away peacefully on March 21, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bill was the son of Harold "Butch" and Leona (Ostdiek) Schroer. He was born in Hastings, Nebraska on November 26, 1941 and grew up in Lawrence and Hebron, Nebraska. Bill was a third generation John Deere Dealer, acquiring the business in 1973 from his father. He was the owner of Schroer Implement in Lawrence, Nebraska, South Central Equipment and co-owner of Oregon Trail Equipment in Fairfield, Nebraska. Bill retired in 2008. After retirement he moved to Phoenix, splitting time between Phoenix and Hastings.

In 1963, he married Bette (Peterson) Schroer and had two daughters, Michelle "Chelle" (Schroer) Pawloski and Jill (Schroer) Pilkington. He enjoyed spending time with his nine grandchildren. Bill also had a passion for traveling and old cars, acquiring many over the years. He was loved by many and always will be remembered for his big heart and a smile just as big.

After he retired to Phoenix, he met and married Shirley Lim, with whom he was married to at the time of his death.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Harold and Leona Schroer. He left behind his daughters and sons-in-law: Chelle & Doug Pawloski and Jill & Doug Pilkington; grandchildren: Kirsten, Ashtin, Kaitlyn & Ryan Pawloski, Peyton Schroer Wheeler, Adrian, Calvin, Alice & Marin Pilkington; wife Shirley Lim along with her children: Caroline, Fred, Cynthia & Frank; siblings & spouses: Arlene (Schroer) & Jack Lemke, Dianne (Schroer) & Don Meyerson; and nieces, nephews & cousins.

Visitation will be held on April 6, 2015 at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home in Hastings, Nebraska from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., with family present from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Hastings, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at 10:30 A.M., with Father Joseph M. Walsh and Father Mel Rempe officiating. A reception will follow at Centennial Hall immediately after Mass. Interment will be at 2:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lawrence, Nebraska, following the reception. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.