William J. Briggs
May 2, 1948 – February 11, 2025
William (Bill) James Briggs was born May 2, 1948, to William F. Briggs and Hazel Haskin Briggs in St. Charles, IL. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Geneva, IL and attended high school at Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL. With the influence of the Benedictine Monks and the Military, Bill credits Marmion with playing a positive role in his life.
Bill graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Journalism. Following graduation, he worked as an art director and writer for various publications at Mutual of Omaha where he met his wife, Lori. Following many successful years at Mutual, Bill had an opportunity to join a local art studio as a graphic designer, where he spent many more successful years.
Bill and Lori were married on December 28, 1974, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They enjoyed attending sporting events, dining out with friends, road trips to visit family and friends, and their beloved Cocker Spaniels.
During his free time and after retirement, Bill generously gave of his time to volunteer at his church including serving as a lector at Mass, sponsoring candidates who were studying to join the Catholic church, and serving on the Arts and Environment Committee where many people benefited by his talent as a graphic artist. He found great satisfaction in visiting fellow parishioners in the hospital, praying with them, and supporting them with a good balance of empathy and humor. Bill was a trained Stephen Minister who provided one on one support to those experiencing a difficult time such as grief or chronic illness.
An avid sports fan, Bill loved golf, baseball (especially the Chicago Cubs), Creighton basketball, and Green Bay Packers football. He loved sports statistics and had a remarkable memory for them, serving as an expert for family and friends.
Among Bill’s many gifts were a very positive attitude and a keen sense of humor. He remained positive and was able to find humor even in the darkest of days he faced with his health challenges.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Briggs. He is survived by his wife Lori; cousins; and many friends.
VIGIL SERVICE: Monday, Feb. 17, 7:00PM with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM at the West Center Chapel, 7805 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10:30 AM, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Dr., Omaha, NE.
INTERMENT: Tuesday, February 18, 2:00 PM, Fort Calhoun Cemetery, Ft. Calhoun, NE.
LIVESTREAM of the vigil and mass will be available at: https://heafeyheafey.com/live-cast/
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Divine Mercy Pantry.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
7 Comments
Lori, our thoughts and prayers are with you. When we think of Bill it is always with a smile. His quick wit and humor always kept you on your toes and mentally stimulated. I loved how he thought outside the box and challenged me to go there too.
He was truly a special human that to know him was to love and be delighted with him. He will be missed but certainly remembered with a smile. Your friends with sympathy. John & Shirley Raleigh
Lori, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was such a warrior through all he endured. Always seeing the positive side of things.
Couldn’t ask for better neighbors! Joe always enjoyed the talks across the back fence! I’m sure he and Joe have continued those talks up in heaven!
You and I have our guardian angels watching over us.
Both gone too soon but never forgotten.
Please know I am just a door away and you can call on me anytime day or night.
God Bless
Patti Svoboda
Lori, I have fond memories of Bill and you as we learned about the teachings of the Catholic Church. May Bill have the joy of heaven and for you to have the consolation of believing your husband will be waiting for you someday to be together again. Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dan Kampschneider
Lori,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was such a warrior through in all he endured. He always saw the positive in everything.
Joe always enjoyed his talks at the backyard fence. I’m sure Joe and Bill have resumed their talks when they met in heaven.
Joe and I were so lucky to have such great neighbors!
You and me now have guardian angels. Gone way too soon but never forgotten.
Remember I am only a door away and you can call on me anytime day or night!
God Bless
Patti
Dear family and friends of Billy Briggs. Yes, “Billy”, for that is how I knew him growing up in the western suburbs of Chicago in the 50’s and 60’s. With my younger sister Gail, we would treasure each play/visiting time we had with Billy who lived 60 miles from our home in Wheaton, Illinois. As the exceptional and loving adult many of you Nebraskans knew, we saw as a fun loving gifted artist blessed with adoring parents and grandparents. I so lament losing touch with my childhood pal over the distant years only to discover that he found the love of his life, Lori and friends and a strong faith in his Savior. Thank you all for complimenting, with your friendship and love, Billy’s life.
In Christ’s love,
Cousin David Haskin Peironnet
My thoughts and prayers to you Lori. Take God’s hand and he will walk with you.
Bill trained me as a hospital minister at St. James. He always had a great sense of humor and I saw him cheer up many St. James parishioners we visited. A good sports fan and a good guy.
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