William Ray “Bill” Sell, 64, of Fairbury, NE., was born September 16, 1960, in Lincoln, NE., and died of cancer on September 18, 2024 in the Heritage Care Center, Fairbury.   He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Fairbury, and attended Fairbury Public Schools graduating with the class of 1978.  He was a happy, fun-loving child who enjoyed sports, especially basketball and baseball.  He had the honor and privilege of being on both teams that won State Class B basketball and State Class B Legion baseball that same year!   Go Jeffs!  He was a pitcher and went by the nickname “Lou”.  

After graduating from high school, Bill went to work for Budweiser Distributing Company and remained with them for nearly 40 years, mostly in Fairbury and later in Las Vegas, NV.  He enjoyed his work and was a dependable, friendly employee.  He moved back to Fairbury and went to work part-time for Ray’s Apple Market before his retirement.  He enjoyed his time there too and was helpful and friendly to the customers and his co-workers. 

He enjoyed spending time watching and supporting the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Fairbury Jeffs.  One of his favorite places to visit was his stepson, Travis Wiegert’s farm near Fairbury.  He enjoyed the peaceful, beautiful surroundings and the company!  He was a good friend to many and always had a sweet smile and endearing comments.  Even to the end of his days he was joking with his caregivers and would thank his visitors for stopping in.  His mom or Tami would occasionally take the brunt of some irritability but that’s what unconditional love is all about!  There was no complaining or bitterness from him; only resolve and patience as he waited for God’s timing to take him to his eternal home in glory with Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delwin “Buzz” Sell; a stillborn brother; his second wife, Barbara (Fall) Wiegert Sell, and his stepson-in-law, Paul Bonjte.

He is survived by his mother, Fern (Rahe) Sell; his first wife, Chrystal (Heller) Sell Nichelson and their son, Tanner Sell; grandchildren Harper and Charlie Sell; stepson, Travis Wiegert and wife, Tish, all of Fairbury, NE; stepdaughter, Darci (Wiegert) Bonjte Foell; and step-grandson, Nicolas Bonjte, both of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Dan Sell; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth “Beth” Sell (Jeff) Loper; nieces, Allison (Michael) Loper Fredrick; and Erin Loper, all of Lincoln, NE.; Rachel (Deryk) Loper Wortmann of Crofton, NE.; and special, loyal, faithful friend and companion, Tami Schultis Theye, of Fairbury; as well as a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.  

Funeral services followed by a lunch will be held Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 11th & G Streets, Fairbury, NE.  The service will be live-streamed on Grace Lutheran’s website.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.  Pictures and a memory book can be viewed and signed there.  The family will greet friends and relatives before and after the service on Monday.  Memorials can be made to the family for later designation.