There are many words you can use to describe Bill – son, brother, Uncle, Coach, student, friend, world traveler, sharp dresser but first and foremost he was a child of God. Though we no longer have a relationship with him on earth, our relationships with him endure, those bonds endure, until we are reunited in heaven.

William Joseph Bemer, Wanagi Ob Omani Wicasta, was born on December 12, 1975 to Howard and Carol Bemer and passed away in Billings, MT on May 28, 2026. He was their third and last child, their baby. He grew up in Poplar until his family moved to the farm after the death of his Grandma Freda. He was raised on the family allotment where his family had farmed and ranched for generations.

Bill attended school primarily in Culbertson and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1994. He attended college at Haskell University, MSU-Northern and the University of Mary, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Bill worked for the Fort Peck Tribes in various departments before beginning his federal service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and later the Indian Health Service. He was always known for making friends, cracking jokes and always being ready to lend a helping hand.

Making friends and connecting with people was both a gift and a skill for Bill. He never met a stranger. His life was shaped by the friendships he forged in school, college, clubbing, travel, work, coaching, and simply spending time with others. These relationships have led to countless memorable and sometimes crazy stories. Bill was energetic, funny, and generous to a fault, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Bill had a deep appreciation for music, enjoying all genres throughout his life. As a young child, he was often found immersed in the sounds of the stereo, wearing oversized headphones while listening to artists like Donna Summer and Blondie. Bill shared his love of music with his family, introducing them to a variety of styles and artists they might not have discovered otherwise. Bill also loved dancing, watching movies and he could really tell some good stories and mimic people.

Volleyball was another of Bill’s great passions. He enjoyed playing, watching, and coaching the sport. Bill participated in leagues around the area and coached high school teams in Poplar and Culbertson. His enthusiasm for volleyball took him to watch the Final Four in Louisville for collegiate volleyball and even to Brazil for the Summer Olympics to watch his favorite teams and athletes compete. Bill attended clinics across the country, bringing back new knowledge and skills to share with his athletes— some of whom went on to play at higher levels.

Bill is survived by his mother, Carol Bemer; brother, Paul Bemer; sister, Leslie Gourneau (Terrance); maternal aunt, Donette White Bear; maternal uncles, Maynard White Bear and Marlin White Bear; paternal uncle Tommy Christian, paternal aunt, Julie Bemer (Merle Sun Rhodes); nephew, T. Gourneau; nieces, Amber Hopkins (Isaac), Pearl Bemer, Megan and Emma Gourneau, and Callyn (Keenan) Wagner. He is also survived by cousins Roxann Smith (Robert), Traci Levay Holt, Jake and Kelcie Two Shields; Neil, Lisa, Ryon and Tristan Sun Rhodes; Kara, Marla, Dimitri, Ramone and Laverne White Bear; Cody and Andre White Bear; Nick (Micki) Bemer, and many relatives from the Perry, Christian, Bauer, White Eagle, Burshia and Young Bear families as well as our extended MHA family in the White Shield area. We sincerely apologize if anyone has been inadvertently omitted.

Bill’s circle of friends was extensive, and each one was deeply cherished.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Bemer, grandparents Neville and Freda Bemer, Donald and Mercy White Bear, grandmas Lavina Perry, Sylvia Half Red, uncle Mike Thomas, beloved cousin/sister Annie Jackson, niece Paulette Bemer.

Honorary Pallbearers include his coworkers, Haskell friends and his friends who held a special place in Bill’s life.

Toksa akhe, Bill.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital for the care, comfort, and compassion they provided during the final weeks of Bill’s life.

Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.