H. William “Bill” Platz

Memorial services for H. William “Bill” Platz, 75, Lawrence, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  He passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012.

Bill was born on July 27, 1937 in Scottsbluff, NE the son of William Gustav and Bessie Elora Matzke Platz.  He had four sisters, Mary, Wilma, Georgia (all deceased) and Bessie Kath, Scottsbluff, NE and two brothers, Dr. John Platz, Sidney, NE and Gus Platz, Loveland, CO and many half brothers and sisters.  He lived in Lawrence for 52 years.

He retired from Farmland Industries where he worked for 37 years and was proud to say he worked his way up from janitor to a variety of management positions in the fertilizer division.

Bill’s family was always foremost in his life.  He also enjoyed bowling. fishing coaching, playing cards and making life fun for those around him.

On September 2, 1961, he married Terry Michal in Lincoln, NE.  She survives of the home.  Other survivors include one daughter, Shelly Platz-Davidson and husband Chris, Lawrence; three sons, Doug Platz, Dallas, TX, Jeff Platz, Lawrence, Jon Platz and wife Stacey, Lenexa, KS and three grandchildren, Evan, Lilah, and Eli.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to: Meals on Wheels, Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association (DCABA), or Stepping Stones Child Care Center and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

22 Condolences

  1. Joan Stevenson on December 29, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    know how much Bill will be missed by all of youre family. he had such a great sense of humor and seemed to be in a happy mood all the time. My prayers go with you all with the loss.
    joan stevenson



  2. Sharon Elaine on December 29, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Three years ago on December 26 my sister died and even now, at times, the tears of emotions come flooding in. The loss of Bill is great and mere words cannot take away the pain of your loss. Only time, your wonderful memories and the peace of God can help to soothe your aching heart. May you be comforted by your cherished memories and the love of family and friends. May God in His infinite wisdom cause you to have peace. May the promise of the resurrection strengthen your faith. John 5:28; Matthew 5:5. Loving thoughts and prayers of peace are with the family. My deepest condolences.



  3. Eric Daigh on December 30, 2012 at 4:42 am

    Thinking especially of Terry, Shelly, Doug, Jeff and Jon at this difficult time, but my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire extended Platz family. May you be comforted by your memories and the kindness of those who care. God Bless.



  4. Scott "Wabbit"Kath on December 30, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Tears and lots of them being shed for this wonderful man, my Uncle. My heart is breaking for all of his family, and all the Platz clan. Such a wonderful life and history. Our condolances, prayers for healing and rejoicing in all of the Great memories you/we share of your husband, father, our Uncle.



  5. Jan Graham on December 30, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    My uncle Bill was a very funny !loving
    Man and a special part of my childhood. I will always miss him My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.



  6. Jan Graham on December 30, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    My uncle Bill was a very funny !loving
    Man and a special part of my childhood. I will always miss him My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.



  7. Pat Giller on December 30, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Platz family. God Bless.



  8. Gary and Janice Snyder on December 31, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers for the Platz family. Bill was a good friend and a terrific mentor to me. He will be missed by all.



  9. Stan Trekell on December 31, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Please accept my sincere condolences regarding the loss of your loved one.



  10. Sara michal on December 31, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Terry, I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I will be thinking about all of you during this difficult time. Sending you and the family love and prayers. Sara



  11. Lance Larkin on December 31, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Sending my family’s best wishes to the Platz family. What fond memories from ALL the years! Bill coached our little league baseball teams, supported all our athletic events….although I’m not sure our annual Christmas bowling matches required much athleticism…mostly just trash talking. Nevertheless Bill could never quite get my name right. Always called me “Lancia!” But if he could have a smile at my expense….so be it. 🙂 Do you all know Bill appeared on TV with “Bowling For Dollars?! Bill will be missed very much but he leaves a fine legacy with Shelly, Doug, Jeff and Jon and the grandchildren. Still don’t know how Terry survived it all! What a ride…Have fun, Bill rolling a 300 everyday for eternity.



  12. Bill Swedell on January 1, 2013 at 1:04 am

    It sadens us to hear of the loss of a distant family member. But we do have the hope of the resurection as stated in the bible at John 5; 28& 29
    Bill Swedell



  13. The Phalen Family on January 1, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    Terry, Shelly, Doug, Jeff and Jon (and families) – We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed getting to know your husband and father over the years, and words are not enough to express the sadness. We are lifting all of you up at this time. Love, The Phalen Family



  14. Pat McCandless on January 2, 2013 at 7:31 am

    We know Bill will be greatly missed. We lift you up in prayer during this difficult time.

    Pat and Debra McCandless



  15. Greg Mather on January 3, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Very sad to hear about Bill. In my Farmland years, He was always one that would one that would have something to say. One thing that I remember, you did not want to be in an airplane with him or on a stuck elevator.



  16. Jan Brighton on January 3, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Dearest Terry and Family, My thoughts and prayers have been with you since I heard the news! I know exactly what you are feeling at this time, so let me help, if you wish.
    May the Sun shine upon you, All Love surround you, and the Sweet light within you guide you on your way! Love,Jan



  17. Steve Jones on January 4, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Terry and family, Mary and I are sorry about your loss and are thinking of all of you.

    Steve and Mary Jones



  18. Brian &_Lisa Steiner on January 4, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Sorry for your loss!! Best family ever!! Steiners!!



  19. Greg Melton on January 5, 2013 at 12:38 am

    To the Platz family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man.



  20. Lem Kinnick on January 9, 2013 at 8:13 am

    What a wonderful person and father as well as a great boss. So many wonderful stories and memories I can tell about my relationship with Bill over the years. He will truly be missed. I cannot thank Bill, Terry and family for all the great times and wonderful things the family did for me. Bill was more like a brother than a boss. God Bless you all and all the wonderful memories you will have in your hearts!



  21. Mike & Jill Bogard Jason Bogard on January 10, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Terry and Family~ We are sorry for the loss of your husband and father. We hope the happy memories of him give you much comfort and peace in knowing he is with the angels now.



  22. Oumai on November 9, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I also want my bf to be 白手興家, who will actually have the drive to push hiemslf forward if he has so much money in the family? The family can give you the money, but not the brain….what will they do if they can no longer get anything from the family one day? To rich to consider la…沒有人坐安思危的啦



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