Chester William "Bill" Ferguson

Chester “Bill” William Ferguson, a beloved figure in the Ottawa, Kansas community, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on December 21, 1946, in Ottawa, Kansas, he was the son of Ed and Vera (Potter) Ferguson. Bill graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1964 and made a significant mark in both his professional and personal life.

Right out of high school, Bill began his career at a trailer factory. He later joined the Army National Guard on October 28, 1965, where he served for six years, during which he learned essential skills in climbing poles. After completing his military service, he became employed with the City of Ottawa as a tree trimmer, which ultimately led to a successful career as a lineman—a position he held for forty-nine years until his retirement in December 2021. Bill’s expertise in the city’s electrical systems was unmatched; he was known to have a profound familiarity with every transformer and electrical hookup in Ottawa. As a mentor, he proudly taught many young men to respect their job and the service it provided. In addition to his career, he also worked at the sale barn part time.

He had a playful spirit and loved to bring joy to others. His contagious laughter was a source of entertainment, sharing jokes which were normally funny only to him. Bill also made his mark in sports, starting the first ladies’ softball league in 1975 and coaching several teams well into the 1980s. His commitment to youth sports extended to officiating high school football for seventeen years, a passion he had to step away from when his knees could no longer carry him through the games.

In 1966, he was united in marriage to Kathy Ribeau. They were married for seventeen years.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Mae Miller, whom he married on April 24, 1987, in Nevada. He is also survived by his daughter Wendee Storck of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Penny Jones (Darren) of Missouri City, Texas, daughter LaCole Ferguson of Pomona, Kansas, and son William E.J. Ferguson of Ottawa, Kansas. His legacy extends to his grandchildren, Dakota Storck of Lawrence, Kansas, Austin Storck (Meredith) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mackenzie Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and Spencer Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and his great-granddaughter Marylise Storck of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Fred Ferguson (Marlene), Larry Ferguson (Miriam), Ed Ferguson (Nancy), and Roger Ferguson.

He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa on September 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery at 1:00 PM the same day. Bill’s spirit and remarkable contributions to the community have left an indelible mark, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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