Willard “Bill” William Remmers II was born in Chicago on December 28th, 1939, to Willard William Remmers and Mabel Johnine Ray Remmers. He died on June 16, 2013, after a 20-year struggle with prostate cancer. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by mother, Mabel, his father, Willard, and by his step-mother, Margaret G. Remmers. He leaves his wife, Ruth Bernadine Heuertz Remmers, and daughter, Juliet Inez Remmers.
Bill spent his early years in Marion, Kansas, with his grandmother Inez Ellis Ray, his uncle and aunt, Rusty and Mary Longhofer, and in Corona del Mar, California, with his uncle and aunt, James and Hazel May Ray. Bill’s mother, Mabel, and Bill moved to Topeka during his grade school years where Mabel became known for her work at the Menninger Foundation and in Topeka Civic Theatre. He continued his education with a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics at Washburn University in1963. Bill earned an M.S. in Mathematics at the University of Kansas in 1966 and later a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at KU in 1985 under Professor Howard Rosenfeld.
He did a variety of work, including research, statistical analysis, modeling, and artificial intelligence for the KU departments of geology, social psychology, anthropology, biochemistry, and human development. He taught math at Donnelly College in Kansas City and psychology and computer science at KU. He worked as a mathematician on rocket trajectories and laser theory for Aeroneutronics in Newport Beach, California, and as a researcher and computer network manager for the U.S. Parole Commission in Washington D.C. He also taught chess, guitar making, astronomy, sailing, telescope making, and ceramics.
Bill’s relationship with Ruth, the love of his live, began in 1978. They went to parties, danced, canoed, and cooked. For two consecutive years in 1985 and 1986, he and Ruth won Best in Class and Best in Show for tofu cooking contests sponsored by Central Soy with their Tofu Gumbo and Tofu Egg Rolls. They married September 1, 1990. Their daughter Juliet was born August 18, 1991. Bill was a loving husband and took an active role in raising Juliet. He carried her everywhere in a front sling as a baby, later taking her to dance and music lessons, and acquainting her with the great minds of Lawrence’s coffee shops. Bill was also an avid chess player, and in 1966 was a 5-state collegiate champion. He once beat a Dutch Grand Master in 1970 in Amsterdam, and played Bobby Fischer in 1963 at KU. Mr. Fischer complimented him on his opening but advised that Bill did not have “the killer instinct.”
Bill loved books. His house was filled with them. He especially liked Euclid’s “Elements,” Linus Pauling’s “The Nature of the Chemical Bond”; “One Two Three…Infinity,” a physics book by George Gamow. He enjoyed various science fiction writers like Azimov and Simak. In grade school, he read, “The Boys Guide to Chemistry”, which included chapters on pyrotechnics and explosives. In high school, when he should have been doing homework, he read many volumes on religions of the world. Together, his family read the Harry Potter series and the Lord of the Rings.
Bill affected many people’s lives with his friendship, generosity, analytical skills, inventiveness, and puns. He was a great friend to many and made people feel special because of his genuine interest in their lives. He could not walk a block without talking to someone he knew. He was a great storyteller. Bill was completely committed to his friends and family, supporting them enthusiastically in their endeavors.
His own interests included but were not limited to mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, music, solar energy, anthropology (which he called “anthro-apology”), and bicycles. His encyclopedic mind enabled him to discuss a huge number of topics in-depth with everyone he knew or met. He was never content to accept the status quo of scientific or social ideas, but thought critically and creatively about topics.
He was passionate about his avocational interests. When he was a boy living in Marion, Kansas, his grandmother, Inez, nurtured what would become a lifelong interest in astronomy when she gave eight-year-old Bill a college textbook on astronomy, which he memorized. He enjoyed making telescopes and observing the night sky, and speculating and offering opinions on scientific discoveries. Inez gave him a subscription to Scientific American which he continued taking the rest of his life.
He was a talented and creative potter. During a ceramics course at Washburn University, he developed the first simple method to obtain copper red glaze in this part of the world. Later in life, he spent hours throwing pots at the Lawrence Arts Center. One of his favorite techniques was “Raku,” which gave his pottery a metallic luster. His artistic interests also included writing poetry, making jewelry, and filmmaking.
He enjoyed art and music. From 1972-1977 he made guitars for friends. He later helped construct an electric cello made from the wood of a Kansas Osage Orange tree. He loved listening to his wife sing and play piano, and found joy in Juliet’s violin playing and her passion for dance. He often mentioned his extreme good fortune in having a daughter of Juliet’s accomplishments and personality.
Bill participated in clinical trials over several years and used his scientific background to actively do laboratory and literary research on prostate cancer in hopes of helping himself and others who suffer from this devastating disease. In Bill’s honor, please give generously to support patients in need to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association-Oncology Department, 325 Maine St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Bill absolutely loved his family and wide circle of friends. The thought of not continuing to be with the ones he loved was for him more painful than the suffering he endured from his prolonged illness. He would wish to have those who felt this same joy of living gather in his memory. In this spirit, a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, at noon on Saturday, June 29th. Please join us.
Messages & Condolences
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I have many memories of Bill from when I lived in Lawrence in the 70s, but the most vivid is this:
I was sitting on a sidewalk around midnight one summer night. I think the intersection was around 13th and Louisiana. A streetlight was shining brightly on the street, but outside the circle of light it was pitch dark. Out of nowhere, Remmers appeared and stepped into the circle. Then, slowly and rhythmically, he began to dance. I held my breath and just watched. He was dancing for himself. He was dancing with joy. He was unaware anyone was watching him–he was just feeling the bliss of life. We will miss you, Bill.
Bill, we never met. To my deepest regret, it was always “later.” But, through your dear mother and the memories of others, I feel I have known you for more than 50 years. A magnificent human being! A true Lawrence treasure. Thank you.
Where did you start in describing Bill? Here was a man of remarkable intellect, who could have pursued a brilliant academic or scientific career; but who also immediately made friends of all kinds of people. Perhaps because Bill so immediately identified with persons of different backgrounds that made him so interpersonally attractive. Bill was such a huge personality that we won’t another person who reminds us of Bill. No, Bill was vivid in self-expression. While grieving his loss, I was so happy Bill was there just a few weeks ago to see his daughter Juliet — “the bright spot” in his life graduate with highest honors from KU; years before he feared he might miss her high school graduation.
And, here is an memory; he was at my house watching “Northern Exposure,” the one show he thought worth viewing; Kirstie Alley appeared on a commercial advertising hair color. Bill wanted to know why she was on television. I tried to explain she was a big star on Cheers. He just shook his head, recalling how she persuaded him to be in an acting troop. On top of all the many things Bill accomplished, he could be reined into a theater group by a KU student who made good in Hollywood.
Ruth and Juliet, my thoughts are with you as you celebrate Bill’s life with wonderful memories. I believe he is now able to sing along with Ruth and dance with Juliet. Ruth, still miss you in choir and remember Juliet sitting next to you like an angel when she was little. Loanne
Bill was a great friend,a fascinating person and a very interesting roommate. I had the privilege of sharing Flloyds Big Hpuse with him in the 70’s and that initiated a lasting and unforgettable friendship for which I will always grateful. The joy Ruth and Juliet brought to his life was also inspiring.
I met Bill in the late 70’s when I worked at the CS Dept. @ KU, through his then girlfriend Ruth. I was fortunate enough to attend several of his birthday parties. I will always remember his red velvet cowboy birthday shirt & his model of the solar system on his kitchen ceiling.
Bill is one of the most interesting people I have ever met–many many stories.
Bill, your journey is just beginning.
WE ALL SHINE ON
I send my condolences to the family. I remember Juliet as my student at Pinckney and in performance at the Lawrence Arts Center Dance program. Her father was always pleasant to me. This was a very loving family.
Fran Breslauer
I haven’t had the pleasure of talking with Bill in years. When Juliet was younger, she was in my preschool class and I’ll never forget all the evenings chatting with Bill about everything under the sun and likely the sun too! Nothing was out of his expertise. Juliet and Ruth, you are in my thoughts.
It has been a privilege to know Bill, and discuss so many things with him over a cup of coffee at Z´s. His love of ideas, of life, of Juliet and Ruth, his smile and spirit will remain. I raise my cup to you here in Berlin and next time when I am back in Lawrence.
What a gift, to have known this man.I will miss Bill… his spirit, his kindness, intelligence, his stories, his energy… There are only a few like him. I will be on the outlook, because people like this dear man are few and far between.
Good-night sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Gone? Bill ain’t gone. He lives in all the experiences and stories he shared with us over the decades. We all live on in the wonderful memories we pass to others. Bill has several lifetimes left in us.
Call me an incidental tourist. For, in the early summer of 1971, I landed onto Lawrence from a distant constellation. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this turned out to be a life-changing experience. After a cursory look at the town, bound by Massachusetts, 6th, Iowa, and 23rd streets, I found the campus pleasant. The spring semester had ended and there were a few days before summer session commenced; to a denizen of urban environment, the sleepy campus looked a fitting place to read and rest –that is to say, for a day or two, beyond which I was eager to find someone with whom to converse.
A stroll brought me to a corner of Louisiana and 13th, where a sidewalk was several steps elevated relative to the other. And there he was! I sat on the top of steps and stared at a wild looking fellow and his partner work on a car. This was my fateful encounter with Bill, a friend for life. Suffice it to say, the conversation ensued (comprising of limited vocabulary and broken grammar on one side and a thoughtful manner in which the other listened), though disrupted numerous times, spanned over forty odd years. It was a process in which he bestowed in me a confidence, as well as doubt, the balance of two has been essential for my inner growth. What a gift!
Dear Ruth and Juliet,
I met Bill at one of Steve and Nancy’s parties. I remember his laughter and always being involved in a conversation with someone. I never had a conversation with him but I do remember his appreciation of puns when he overheard me make one to Steve Moring.
He will be with us all always and when you think of him, he will be with you.
David
Ruth and Juliet,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I know you must be hurting terribly, but know that lots of love is being sent your way from all over Lawrence and the world. My first remembrances of Bill are also from chatting at KU, in the Union or on the way to class. He was so happy when he found you and so proud of Juliet. Take care of yourselves.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear about Bill’s passing and my heart goes out to Ruth and Juliet. I was so honored to play music for . . . Ruth or Bill or I don’t remember who asked, but they got Uncle Dirtytoes to learn a bunch of Beatles songs for a celebration at the Depot many years ago and it was such an honor and such fun. I will so miss our conversations at Z’s where I would randomly run into Bill – his interests and wisdom was endless as was his camaraderie and love.
Bill was the first person I met when I moved to Lawrence in 1968. We made a stained glass window together once. Wish I knew where it was. Will miss Bill a lot.
Ruth, my condolences. The world needs more people like Bill. I am thankful that I was given the recent opportunity to be around him for a little while and really enjoyed hearing his stories, history, concerns, views, and opinions. He was a delightful man and my only regret is not having spent even more time with him.
Dear Ruth and Juliet,
We will never forget that our first visitors in the hospital after Ruby’s birth were Bill and Ruth. Thank you for all the love you have shown us, and we hope it returns to you many times over. Bill will be deeply missed.
Ruth and Juliet,
My heart goes out to you in your loss. I know how much Bill loved both of you as he expressed this to me.
The Pinckney neighborhood will be less interesting without Bill’s cheer, friendly greetings, and special take on life.
With sympathy,
Katie Armitage
I will always remember being paired with Bill to dance the waltz across the stage for curtain call at the end of the Nutcracker performances. He said he did not know how to dance the waltz and was worried. So I taught him and we had a splendid time at each performance dancing across the stage!
We will all miss his kind words and smile.
Ruth and Juliet made Bill’s life complete. He was part of my Lawrence family. We shared a birthday, and I will remember him and all the goodness he brought to me and to everyone he met on that day and on all the days in between.
It is difficult being so far away at this time.
I met Bill in the 1960’s at KU, where we’re both in the math department. We spent many delightful hours together discussing everything under the sun. We played many games of chess, and in all those years I managed to beat him exactly once, and that was only because he was trying out an unfamiliar opening that he had read about, and I just lucked into exploiting a flaw that he had not yet considered. Needless to say, that happened only once. Bill always took an interest in my activities, from studying cosmology to riding bicycles to playing music. I saw more and more of Bill in the past few months, and for that I am grateful. Peace to you, Ruth and Juliet. Know that Bill was much loved by those who knew him, and he returned that love n abundance.
Bill’s passing is a huge loss to the Lawrence community and his family-friends…I have such fond memories over the past 35 years..Thank you, dear friend for the impact you’ve had on my life.
Ruth & Juliet – Sending warm loving hugs your way as you face the future without Bill.
Our hearts are aching for Ruth and Juliette and for all who loved Bill. Lawrence is not going to be the same. Our very deepest condolences to you. Dan and Sarah St. John and Liam Smith.
Bill was one of the first people I met when I moved to Lawrence in the early 70s. I lived down the street in a boarding house. He was dabbling in photography as well as many other things. It is a profound loss for Lawrence and for his wife and daughter. RIP
Dear Ruth and Juliet,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I met him at the ceramics studio but our conversations ranged from airplane construction to overfiring kilns to livin like a hippy, and of course how proud he was of Juliet. He was truly a renaissance man and I’m glad I had to chance to know him.
Much love,
Sarah
Ruth and Juliet,
Bill was/is such a treasure.
I’ll never forget the night he stopped me in the aisle after a performance at The Lieds Center a few years ago and told me I looked like I was filled with light.
Bonita Yoder
Bill introduced me to chess, analytical thinking, good humor, and a love of life. While not a father figure way back in the 60’s he was definitely someone I admired. I’ll keep his memories close by for further nourishment.
Ciao, Bill.
Quite simply, I loved Bill. I have never met anyone with such an astute mind and innovative approach to problems as Bill….and yet he made you feel like you were the smart one. I met Bill one Friday afternoon in the Mallott Library over by the astronomy section as I took a break from my chemistry books. I expressed that I was interested in going to the observatory for the open house that evening. A conversation ensued and if you know Bill you can imagine what happened Bill became so interested and engaged in the conversation that as I began to walk home, it became apparent that Bill was going to walk with me to continue our conversation. That began a life long friendship and a conversation which has never ended. My favorite times with Bill were sailing. We went through horrible storms together, learned to sail together, and trusted one another in our judgements and made navigation descisions underway with passion. Once during a discussion on the Chesapeake Bay our sailing companion Rick Bono said ” its a good thing that I know you guy are friends because no one would ever know by your discussion.” My favorite Bill story is while anchored in Baltimore harbor. Early in the morning we were putting out and Bill was pulling up the anchor. He was having a very hard time of it and as you know Bill was quite strong. He struggled even more and the bow of the boat started to go down from the weight he bore. I yelled up to him ” Bill …you baby….pull up that anchor” An will a last pull he brought up the anchor…. along with the submerged 3 inch power cable from the Baltimore power plant. I never doubted Bill’s strength again. I will miss you my sailing friend. Jeff Ward
I first met Bill when a friend and he traveled cross country (in my mind like the two young men in Route 66) to stay for a time with our family in Newport Beach, CA. He was an emissary from Kansas, the land my parents came from. I was the country bumpkin and Bill the city boy; and I learned so much. I will miss Bill but look forward to staying in touch with Ruth and Juliet. Walkie Ray
A favorite memory of Bill, and I have numerous as do most people who knew him, was when he challenged Dimitry Shreders to a race in the halls of LMH. Bill was heartbroken knowing he would be going home and Dimitry would not. Bill and Ruth lent us a second car during this time–two years ago January–so I could go home to shower while D’s and my son went to work.
Other fond memories date to the early 70’s when I first met Bill. He was most outgoing and a delight to converse with. We were fortunate to reconnect with his family after the birth of beautiful Juliet. I’ve enjoyed knowing Bill, Ruth, and Juliet. What a lovely, light filled family who share their amazing and numerous gifts freely.
Much love to all who miss his vast kindness and intellect–especially Juliet and Ruth.
Bill was my guru. As he was for so many others. I loved him. What am I gong to do now?
My very first memory of Bill was sitting in the Casbah coffee shop on Mass, just after Juliette was born, and you could tell just how much he loved her, how stunned he was at what a wonderful being she was, and at her beauty. He was star struck from the very beginning, and of all the subjects he could wax lyrical about, his sweet baby daughter was the one that mattered most. I don’t think he knew how much being a father would mean to him until it happened. Children make big hearts grow even bigger, and Bill’s was much bigger than most.
He was always interested in others and what they were doing, and he was one of the people that helped make Lawrence the great place it is. It won’t be the same, not running into him on the street for a friendly chat. Ruth and Juliette, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can let your friends, family, and community help hold the grief, and lessen the sadness.
I first met bill in the union where he sat w two chess boards waiting for challengers after passing by several times i felt he needed company so i stopped and got trounced and then got instructions and a friend ever since. I am proud of that friendship
“Ask Bill. Bill would know.”
Ruth and Juliet,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Bill fought a long and courageous battle. This was a Beautiful memorial to him and reflected his love for life, learning, and YOU,
With deepest sorrow,
Mary Haynes
Many wonderful Christmas time memories around the fireplace. I regret so much not getting back together later in life. A true intellect. This message sent from the Amazon Basin in Peru.
To Ruth & Juliet,
He was truly one of a kind. An “original ponderer” of all things.
He fought a long battle and I know you were both there, every step of the way.
May you all rest in peace.
Hugs to all,
Larry & Nomi
Ruth and Juliette…we are so saddened by Bill’s death. Our heart is broken. Bill touched our lives in so many ways, including our grownup girls. Peace be with you.
A shock to learn of Bill’s death. Always fun to talk with on so many topics. Best wishes, memories and peace to Ruth and Juliette.
Bill always had a story. He also had many interests. Bill enjoyed being with family and friends clear to the end. I am sorry he is no longer around. Deepest sympathy to Ruth and Juliette.
Ruth and Juliet,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Bill was a wonderful man, and I will always remember talking to him in between the gala shows during Juliet’s senior year. He said he was so proud of you and your dance, and it was so touching to see his pride for you in his eyes.
Dear Ruth and Juliet,
I am so glad to have known Bill and you. Bill was so kind to my girls.
Thank you and God Bless,
Michael
Dear Ruth and Juliet, Bill was an extraordinary person. We grieve for your loss.
Dear Ruth and Juliette, please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. Bill loved life, his family, and may his memory be everlasting. With love, Randy, Theresa, Brendan, Nikolai and Ilya.
Ruth and Juliet,
We are sad to learn of Bill’s death. The three of you made a loving family with the desire to keep learning and growing always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you move into life without Bill. You are in our hearts.
Clenece and Jim Hills
Dear Ruth and Juliet, Bill was many things to many people, but for me he was simply a good friend. I will miss him.
Dear Ruth and Juliet; We are so very sorry for your loss. I know he will be dearly missed. Love, your Gall Cousins, Mary Ann and Dean
Ruth, I just learned about Bill’s passing. He made my time in Lawrence a lot more bearable!. I enjoyed tremendously our times for dinner on Fridays after meeting at the Lawrence Public Libray plus coffee discussions on those days. He was truly my best friend. Peace to you,
Javier
Ruth and Juliet, my prayers are with you during this difficult time. He was a brilliant, one-of-a-kind man who will be sorely missed.
Many blessings
Such saddening news. What great good fortune he was able to see Juliet (whose dance video is playing in a loop at the Kansas Union even now) graduate.
My dear cousin, I’m so sorry for your loss. I keep you all in my prayers
Ruth and Juliet you are in my heart. We will miss Bill, he was extraordinary. So many memories.
So very sorry.
Ruth—My special sympathies are with you as we all remember “Topeka” Bill Remmers for all of the good/fun times over the decades.
My deepest condolences, and hugs
Most dear Ruth and Juliette,
I am holding you in heart with the huge loss of your bigger than life Bill.
Ruth and Juliette,
Peace to you.
Ruth,
My thoughts are with you. It is so sad.
Ruth, Extremely sorry to read of Bill’s death. My deepest condolences.