Bill left this life unexpectedly in his sleep due to complications with covid. Our hearts are deeply saddened, and he will be greatly missed, but we find comfort in that he is free from the suffering he has endured the last twenty years and is safe in the presence of the Lord.
Bill made his mark in his high school years with his athletic ability in basketball, baseball, and golf. He was a natural and many have shared how they enjoyed watching him! He was charismatic, had a huge heart and could light up a room with his smile!
He initially went to college at Jamestown, North Dakota on a baseball scholarship then finished at the U of M with a business degree. He seemed to have the whole world ahead of him with a bright future. He had a beautiful business plan made up to partner with his dad for Nyhart’s Refrigeration. Sadly, the fall of that same year Bill experienced his first manic episode with bipolar disorder and his life did a 180. He was unfairly set on a different path. The last twenty years have been challenging and heart wrenching for Bill, his family, friends and all who truly cared for him.
Through it all, God sustained him and us and we fought the good fight. It was messy at times and disruptive for sure but worth it all. The last two years, Bill’s heart sought God fervently and he developed a real relationship with Him that gave him strength and hope. His Uncle John spent many hours with Bill studying the Bible and teaching him the deeper things of the Lord. A time Bill cherished and looked forward to.
Bill ended up being a real Momma’s boy as he said of late and needed her for his touching stone. He would go to her house almost daily to have coffee and visit. She was the absolute best Godsent mom and her unconditional, relentless love helped keep him going.
Bill truly tried to overcome and make the best of the challenges he faced but without going into detail, was defeated at every end. It was heartbreaking to watch and as a family we tried to help the best we could. We truly believe God’s grace and mercy took him home. He had endured enough. He is free!
Bill is survived by his ever-devoted mother Gwen Anderson-Gebhardt (Rick), his sister Heidi Nyhart, his cat Leo “the Lion”, numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins, and his good friend John McHugh who played cribbage with Bill almost daily.
He was preceded in death by his father William Nyhart (his fishing partner and best friend), his paternal and maternal grandparents and his faithful companion and dog Angel.
Bill, soar high with the eagles, hug our loved ones for us and know we hold you in our hearts always and forever. Until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date due to covid.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bill.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Bill and his family.
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Vicki Singleton says
Dear Gwen and Family:
Words are hard to come by in times such as these, however, I wanted you to know I am remembering you and family in my prayers.
I thank GOD I had the blessing of meeting this precious soul many years ago. Those eyes and that smile still reflect the inner child full of life, love, and energy.
Love, Hugs, and Prayers
Vic from KY
Ron and Bobbie Peterson says
We are so deeply saddened by the loss of Billy. He was a precious person. He loved the Lord. When Ron had his lung removed due to cancer and came to church later on, he sat in the recliner and everyone came over to pray for him. Then a bit later Billy came over to Ron and laid hands on him and it so touched Ron that he started crying. It was just so very precious to Ron. He’ll never forget it. Billy is free and at peace now. We are so sorry for your loss of him. God bless all!!!!!💔
Becky Taylor says
I don’t know where to begin as my heart felt as if Billy was one of my own since God first brought this beautiful family into my life in the 70’s back in Ky when they came there!
He indeed was a big gentle giant with a tender & heart of gold! The twinkle in his eyes always was there & to greet me with a huge bear hug!
He had a very special place in mine & my daughters life & will deeply be missed!
My love, hugs & prayers to my dear friend Gwen & Heidi!
Spread those hugs of yours to all our loved ones till we meet again for ours!
John Stevenson says
Dear Gwen and Heidi and the whole Anderson extended family
Over the last few years you have willingly, generously, lovingly, prayerfully brought this Community into your journey of heartache and allowed us to support you in so many ways-your willingness to be vulnerable was a gift to this Community that will become more real as time goes on. You are a courageous bunch who have modeled what Faith and unconditional Love is. Your beautifully written obituary is a tribute to Bill and a fitting eulogy. We know that our God wii indeed “raise him up on eagle’s wings and bear him on the breath of dawn and make him shine like the sun and hold Bill in the palm of His hand. Thank you for inviting us into your story -it is a blessing and will continue to be.
With tons of love and respect I pray for each and every one of you-you are all such a gift to us-GOD BLESS❤️❤️🙏🙏
John Stevenson
Shawn Forsberg says
Well written obituary for him and I can remember playing basketball with him on many occasions and fishing with him and with his struggles that took away from him but he always managed to be love his family and always. I will always love you Billy Nyhart my friend and brother from another mother. You will always be remembered and loved no matter what. R.I.P. my friend.
Mike Bauer says
I remember the days at Western when Bill was the boss at KFC. Many times during the week, he would bring home some chicken and I would be waiting in my room for the call from Lorengo. “Bill’s home, and we GOT CHICKEN.” I would sprint over and sure enough, Bill had us all chowing down chicken. Rest easy my friend. Cheers!!!
Abby Wilkinson-Bacon says
I’m so sorry for your loss of Bill. I remember him being such a happy guy in high school. This is an amazing tribute to him. May he find peace with God and now fly free!
RIP Bill!
Mary Mari-Jensen says
Dear Gwen, Heidi, and family: May God bless you all and bring you peace! The best hug I ever got was from Billy in your living room, prepandemic. It was so warm and heartfelt that it brought me to tears – there he was with his beautiful big smile and me with tears running down my cheeks! I have been so blessed to have accompanied you on this journey for the past 32 years. Oh, the laughter and tears we have shared. Billy could never have asked for a more devoted tribe of family and friends. Everyone loved your Billy! Sending my love and deepest condolences!❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Terri Elder says
What a beautiful tribute to Bill. I did not know him as a grown man but have many memories of him from when he was little, he was always up to something. I love seeing his smile❤️ I’m thankful that his journey led him back to Christ and that he is no longer suffering but safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Much love to you Gwen and Heidi and the rest of the family❤️❤️❤️
Cheryl Palmer says
Going to miss my little brother Billy. Father knew I needed someone in my life whose loving kindness 😌 and Jesus hugs would encourage me at my lowest moments. Looking forward to being with him again in Eternity ❤
Charlotte Pfaff says
Love you all so much! Wish I knew Bill much longer, but I’m thankful for the time I had. His greetings were sweet and I’ll miss that, Much Love and many prayers for your family. Charlotte and Joanne
Linda Kindrick says
Gwen – Jeff and I are so sorry. The loss of a child, no matter what age, is something no parent should have to endure.
We met Billy only once, but you spoke of him so often, always with love. That love and all the memories will carry you as you move forward.
God bless you and all your family.
Nosratollah Moradi says
Dear Gwen and family, I am so sorry for your enormous loss. I only knew Bill for a brief time, but I knew you cared deeply for him as did rest of your family. I know he was called home too soon but I also know he is with the lord. I just want to offer my deepest sympathy and I have the greatest regards and respect for you