William “Bill” Parker Fitzgerald

William “Bill” Parker Fitzgerald

December 28, 1956 – Thursday, May 25, 2023

William “Bill” Parker Fitzgerald, age 66, Fremont, NE, died on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Estes Park, Colorado. Bill was born on December 28, 1956, in Kansas City, MO to Tom and Sue Fitzgerald. He married Anne Oestmann in Auburn, NE on July 30, 1977.

Bill graduated from Auburn Public Schools, Peru State College, and received his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He enjoyed a 39 year career in education dedicated to bettering the lives of students and athletes. He began his teaching career at Central Heights Schools in Richmond, KS, before moving to Nebraska. He taught, coached, and served as activities director for Louisville Public Schools for 24 years. He then served as assistant principal and activities director at Fremont High School from 2005 until his retirement in 2017.

Bill was an active member in both the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NSIAAA) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) for nearly 20 years. He has received numerous awards throughout his tenure as an Activities Director including: Nebraska District II AD of the Year (2013), NIAAA State Award of Merit (2013), Nebraska State AD of the Year (2014), NIAAA Distinguished Service Award (2016), and the National Federation of High Schools Citation Award (2020). Since June of 2020, Bill has served as the Executive Director of the NSIAAA.

Bill is survived by his wife, Anne Fitzgerald, of Fremont, NE; children, Trevor (Bonnie) Fitzgerald of Omaha, NE; Abby Fitzgerald of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, John “Jack” and Robert “Bobby” Fitzgerald; mother, Sue Fitzgerald of Americus, GA; sister, Peggy (Dylan) Scott of Haleyville, AL.; father-in-law, James Oestmann of Auburn, NE; brother-in-law, Jim (JaNay) Oestmann of Auburn, NE; nieces Meleia Oestmann of Omaha, NE, Alexa Oestmann of Whitefish, MT. He is also survived by numerous other family members and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Fitzgerald; and his grandparents: William M. Fitzgerald, Calvin and Lois Mowery, and Parker and Ruth Shirling.

VISITATION: Tuesday, June 6th, 5-8pm. FUNERAL SERVICES: Wednesday, June 7th at 11am. Both held at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd., Omaha. INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Bill are suggested to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the Fremont Schools Foundation (designated to FHS Activities Department), and the Peru State College Foundation.

 

15 Comments

  • Carma Roberts Posted June 1, 2023 11:27 am

    Sending hope for peace and healing after your loss. Mr. Fitzgerald helped shape who I am and I am forever thankful for his teaching and guidance.

  • Kathryn (Ezell) Walters Posted June 1, 2023 12:27 pm

    Sending my condolences to family and friends. Mr.Fitzgerald was a great coach, teacher and drivers education instructor. So many life lessons and memories that will not be forgotten.

  • Shelby Hrabik Posted June 1, 2023 9:12 pm

    Sending prayers to the family. Sorry for your loss. Mr. Fitzgerald was an incredible teacher. A Jack of all trades kind of teacher. I truly should have took more notes during Drivers Ed! He was a great teacher and spoke it how things should be taught. I will be forever grateful for the lessons I have learned from him. Sending Condolences.

  • Tad Ellinwood Posted June 2, 2023 6:16 am

    My sincere condolences to the Fitzgerald family. Bill was incredibly dedicated to the community and his students. I will always remember his passion for celebrating their successes, and his compassion for those that needed it. He is still one of my favorite educators, and I value many lessons learned from him.

  • Patty Monzu Posted June 2, 2023 9:43 am

    Ann, Trevor and Abby, so sorry for your loss. Bill was an amazing man and we enjoyed getting to know and become friends with all of you sitting by you in Memorial Stadium! May all the beautiful and fun memories comfort you during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything. He will be missed.

  • Brad Hansen Posted June 2, 2023 12:33 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s death, he was a great mentor when I was AD at Columbus High. His enthusiasm and professionalism as well as his great personality will be missed. My sympathy to the family of a great man!

  • Linda Schlapfer Posted June 2, 2023 4:24 pm

    My deepest sympathy at the loss of Bill. Deepest condolences!

  • Cory Poehling Posted June 2, 2023 4:33 pm

    Such an amazing man. I remember running track my senior year and I was at Lincoln High’s track getting ready to run the mile. I saw Mr. Fitzgerald sitting in his chair about 50 meters from the starting line and I ran up to him. Told him how much our team appreciated him always showing up and being there to support us. Such a great representation to the Tiger family.

  • Mary Zimmerman Posted June 2, 2023 9:48 pm

    Peggy, I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

  • Steve Borer Posted June 3, 2023 7:02 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss! Bill was a great friend/mentor to me as we both served as Athletic Administrators. He will be missed! Prayers to all of you🙏😢

  • Stan Hendricks Posted June 5, 2023 10:30 am

    Anne, Trevor and Abby, so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill for a number of years at Louisville. He was so supportive of kids, programs and coaches. He always looked for the positive in people.

  • Ray Luhring Posted June 5, 2023 1:54 pm

    Ann, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • David Porter Posted June 5, 2023 8:47 pm

    I didn’t have the good fortune to have known Mr. Fitzgerald…at least not directly. I do have the good luck to have had his daughter Abby as a colleague and friend. I am certain that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Great educators, caring and empathetic, tireless/hard working on behalf of others, and good friends. I am so sorry for your family’s and our loss. It is good that he lives on through all who he touched over the years.

  • Caitie Leibman Posted June 7, 2023 7:40 pm

    Anne, Trevor, and Abby— I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Fitz’s sudden passing. He was such a big presence at Louisville for so long! Sending you lots of love at this tough time 💕

  • Tom and Reggie Hisey Posted June 20, 2023 5:58 pm

    Our deepest sympathies we send to Bill s dear family…We know Bill and Anne from being our neighbors in Rockwood, Estes Park. Such a sad event for all of you to lose your loving husband and dad. He had a wonderful smile and sweet personality…and will definitely be missed.. Sending our love and prayers at this very difficult time.

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