William J. “Bill” Maske,  75, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Bill was born on February 28, 1942, in Selden, Kansas, the son of William, Sr. and Mae (Stacey) Maske.  He grew up in Selden and attended local schools and lived in Sheridan County, Kansas until he was married.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Loretta Bieker on July 13, 1963 in Grainfield, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with 3 children, 2 sons Kevin and Terry and a daughter Tracey.  He worked as a feedmill supervisor and in hog operations in Sharon Springs, Kansas.  He also worked for KDOT in Sharon Springs, Kansas and Lindsborg, Kansas.  He was a member of the Catholic Church.  He enjoyed hunting, watching sports and playing his guitar.  He especially enjoyed Kansas University Basketball, Kansas City Royals Baseball, car racing and working on lawn mowers. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Loretta of the home; sons, Terry Maske (Sharene) and Kevin Maske all of Grand Island, Nebraska; and daughter Tracey Nabity (Phillip) of Denton, Texas; brothers Tom Maske and Gene "Ed" Maske and 2 step sisters; grandchildren Reece Maske, Sha’nera Maske, Justin Salpas, Nathan Salpas, Kristi Parke and Phillip “P.J.” Nabity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert Maske and Clifford Maske and granddaughter Dariawna Maske.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell with Father Michael Elan officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, October 16, 2017 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.