William Ray Kemerling: 1929 – 2024
William Ray Kemerling died August 19, 2024, just five days before his 95th birthday. Bill was born in Oshkosh, Nebraska to William Edgar Ray Kemerling and Esther Jane (Botker) Kemerling on August 24, 1929.
Raised on a farm and attended a one-room school, he graduated from eighth grade, then went to work mixing “mud” for his dad who did masonry and carpentry work. Later on, Bill worked for a surveyor.
Married Neva Marie Fetters January 21, 1953, Rev. Heidenreich officiating. They had three children. Bill helped build the drive-in theater at Oshkosh, Nebraska and ran the projectors at the theater when it opened. Bill was drafted and was in the Marines for a short time. Later Bill worked on oil rigs in Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Canada. Bill started a welding business in Gillette, Wyoming in 1961.
Wyoming issued the 43rd sales tax license in Campbell County to his business. In 1968, Bill started an oil field dirt work partnership with his brother, George, and the state issued the 334th sales tax license in Campbell County to their business. Bill was a long-time member and past president of the Eagles Lodge.
Bill was involved in farming and ranching most of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. Hunted elk, deer, and also got a Big Horn Sheep, a buffalo and a moose.
Bill is survived by his wife, of 71 years; daughter, Jayne Cudmore; son, William B. Kemerling (Toni); three grandkids; two adopted grandsons; lots of great grandkids; and a couple great-great grands; brother, George H. Kemerling; and his sisters, Rena Heath and Flossie Bradley. Bill was preceded in death by daughter, Joni Wittrock; three sisters; and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bill’s name to CITY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER (950 W. Warlow Dr., Gillette).
