William L. “Bill” Ryser, 85, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Sunday, August 17, 2014 at the Heartland Regional Medical Center with his family by his side.

Bill was born on August 8, 1929 to Nevin & Mildred (Weber) Ryser in Morrowville, Kansas, moving to Wathena in 1941.

He served three years in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. He was a heavy equipment operator for 10 years and retired as a Teamsters Union truck driver after 30 years.

He was a 60 year member of the Wathena American Legion Post #161, holding several offices including commander & District Excutive Committeeman, the Wathena VFW Post #5531, Wathena Masonic Lodge, Voiture 40/8, serving as Chef de Gare, Scottish Rite & Moila Temple, where he served in the Legion of Honor. He also served three terms for the Wathena City Council from 1975-1985.

He enjoyed his family, playing cards and was an avid sports fan.

Bill married RoseMary Vertin on May 8, 1951 in Oceanside, California at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church. She preceded him in death in 1997. He was also preceded in death by his parents & a grandson, Bradley Liechti.

He is survived by two sons, Billy (Karen) Ryser and Bob (Pam) Ryser both of Wathena, two daughters, Susan (John) Archer of St. Joseph, Missouri Karen (Greg) Bottroff of Chula Vista, California. Grandchildren, Nathan (Shanna) Ryser, Ryan (Melissa) Ryser, Amanda (Travis) Kimberlin, Craig (Holly) Ryser, Christopher (Tasha) Liechti and Blair Ryser. Great-grandchildren, Alex Livingston, Lauren Livingston, Zakkary Ryser and Saylor Ryser. Step Great-grandchildren, Wyatt Kimberlin, Alli Kimberlin, Collyn Ransom and Avery Ransom. Sister, Delores Vertin of Wathena, Kansas Special friend of 14 years, Ruth Grable. numerous nieces & nephews

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Wathena, Kansas Visitation: 6-8 Wednesday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Wednesday. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wathena, Kansas Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #161, Wathena EMS or Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. www.harmanrohde.com