William "Bill" Dennis Bedo, age 75, of Eureka, MO, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026.

Family has always been an important part of Bill's life. He was the third of five children born to William and Jeann Bedo and his siblings were his first friends. All throughout his life, he prioritized spending time with them as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins. He was married to the love of his life, Gretchen, for almost 53 years and he was always proudly bragging about his 3 children, Laura, Andy and Teresa. His family will remember how much Billy loved spending time with him, especially when he was pulling pranks. They also knew they could rely on him to be the first one to show up with a dolly on moving day.

Everywhere he went, Bill made lifelong friends. His humor and easygoing personality were a magnet that attracted people to him and his non-judgmental acceptance created immediate connections with his new acquaintances. His loyalty and empathy kept the friendships going for decades. Bill expressed his love generously with his energy and presence. He still regularly met with childhood friends, as well as former teammates and co-workers.

Bill loved playing games of all kinds whether that was a game of volleyball with family, bowling with his coworkers, softball with friends, golf with pals, horseshoes in the backyard, poker with neighbors, Sudoku and card games at the kitchen table, or his handheld Yahtzee on the deck. He was a tough opponent who did not let anybody win, even his young grandchildren. He also loved a good deal and took pleasure in the money he saved at the store.

Bill was also known for his incredible work ethic and commitment. He showed that as a young man serving in the Missouri National Guard. It is also evident in his 43 years at Footwear Unlimited, where he retired as a warehouse manager in 2012. This dedication was also seen from his years serving in the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge. Not only was he a charter member, but he also served as a trustee, chaplain, bar manager and chaired the Hoop Shoot. He was recognized as Elk of the Year and Hottest Chili Cook-Off entry. Bill's renowned BBQ skills put him in high demand for their fundraising events. He also volunteered as an assistant coach with Eureka Sports Association. The community always knew they could count on him to help out.

Through many adversities, Bill continued thriving with purpose and harmony. He honestly shared his vulnerabilities and impacts of the death of his teenaged son and later, his own severe health challenges. He drew strength through fellowship with others and worked daily to keep his body and mind strong. As physical limitations increased, family and friends volunteered to provide transportation to his weekly lunches returning the favor Bill was always willing to provide for them, and he continued attending family gatherings and events. He used Hospice as a gift of time to spend last moments with others to reminisce together. He often said he had lived a good life. Bill was a blessing, a great friend and a good person.

He is survived by his adoring wife Gretchen; cherished daughter Teresa; dependable son-in-law Andrew; awesome granddaughters Claire and Evelyn; treasured siblings Judy (Bill) DeWitt, Terry (Pam) Bedo & Patti Bedo; loving siblings-in-law Sherrie Sipes, Jenny (Bob) Edmonds, Lisa Sipes and Dana (Deb) Sipes; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Andy; his daughter, Laura; his parents, Jeann and Bill Bedo; his sister Peggy; and siblings-in-law Alan Sipes and Christina and Sid Monnig.

Services: Visitation and mass will be held at Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 350 E. 4th St, Eureka, Friday, September 4, 2026. Visitation is from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. The mass will immediately be followed by interment at Bethel Cemetery, 17500 Manchester Road, Wildwood and a celebration of life will be held at Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, 19 W 1st Street, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, EIN #: 43-6061693. Online donations: https://www.bgcstl.org or Checks: payable to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, ATTN: Finance 2901 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO  63107.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home - Eureka, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.