William James Ormsbee, Jr.

William James Ormsbee, Jr. died April 3, 2025, at the age of 78, peacefully in his home in Sibley, Missouri after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was a true gentleman, faithful servant to God, devoted husband, loving dad and father-in-law, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, caring brother, and dear uncle.

Bill was born September 30, 1946 in Cheboygan, Michigan, the son of William and Hazel (McClary) Ormsbee. He was called “Billy” by his family. He graduated from Onaway High School in 1964 before completing a year studying drafting at Alpena Community College. Bill married the love of his life, Kathryn Patricia (Pelletier) Ormsbee, on October 23, 1965. They were married almost 40 years before Kathy preceded him in death in 2003. Bill and Kathy had two daughters, Andrea Kay Ormsbee and Christina Kay (Ormsbee) Rohlfs. Andrea proceeded him in death in 1987. Bill officiated the marriage of Christina and Robert Rohlfs and was blessed with two grandsons from their union.

Bill was raised and baptized in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He remained dedicated to his faith and his belief in the Book of Mormon throughout his life. He was ordained to the office of Priest in the church on October 26, 1975 and to the office of Elder on November 4, 1979. Bill was the church’s Youth Group leader for many years, volunteered at Special Needs Church Camp, and served several years as the church Pastor in Onaway. After being directed by the will of God, Bill and his family moved to Sibley, MO in the summer of 1985. For the past three decades, Bill was a member and served on several committees of the Buckner Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman in Michigan enjoying hunting, camping, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, swimming, water skiing, hiking, and family picnics on state land. After moving to Missouri, Bill intentionally gave up the sport of hunting but still continued to enjoy outdoor activities. In 2012, he completed the construction on his new house. On his farm, he tended a herd of twenty-two cattle and numerous catfish, groomed an extensive network of ATV trails, gardened, planted trees, cut wood, and looked for arrowheads in his creek.

In addition to his daughter, Christina Rohlfs, Bill is survived by his son-in-“love”, Robert Rohlfs; grandsons, Blaine (Molly) Rohlfs and Brock (MaryKate) Rohlfs; great-grandchildren, Penelope Rohlfs and Beckett Rohlfs; sisters, Sally Benham and Nancy Carpenter (William Clunie); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, wife, and oldest daughter, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Peacock, and two brothers-in-law, Carl Peacock and Jerry Benham.

On Friday, April 11, 2025, Family and Friends may visit from 3:30pm until 4:50pm at the Buckner Restoration Branch, 2607 North Twyman Road, Independence, MO. Funeral will begin after visitation at 5:00pm followed immediately by a Burial Service at the Buckner Hill Cemetery. All are welcome to return to the church for a funeral dinner where there will be an opportunity to fellowship and share special memories with others about Bill.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Buckner Restoration Branch in Bill’s memory.