William E. Trollinger

William Eugene “Bill” Trollinger, 88, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on May 7, 1938, in Garden City, Missouri, Bill lived a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and kindness.

Bill graduated from Garden City High School with the Class of 1956 and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after his 18th birthday. He served his country honorably for four years before beginning a long and successful career with Sears, where he met the love of his life, Lucy Nadine Abeln. They were united in marriage on October 17, 1964, at St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church in Wien, Missouri.

Bill later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rockhurst University and spent many years working as an auditor for Sears before retiring in 1993. His career took him and his family to Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago before eventually bringing them back home to Missouri. Bill remained proud of his years with Sears and deeply valued the lifelong friendships he formed through the Sears Retiree Club and his extended “Sears family.”

Bill was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, since its founding. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided the way he cared for others.

Bill found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — fishing, caring for animals, and spending time with those he loved most. Equal parts country boy and accountant, he never lost his appreciation for small-town Missouri and the memories he shared there with family and friends. He was known for his gentle spirit, selflessness, and sense of humor. Bill always had a funny story to share and took genuine pride in the accomplishments and happiness of those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nadine Trollinger; his son, Bryan Trollinger of Kansas City; his daughter, Andrea Weis and husband Jason Weis of Kansas City; and his grandson, Ethan Trollinger of Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by his brothers, Bob Trollinger (Toni) of Cody, Wyoming, and Ken Trollinger (Donna) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; along with his sister-in-law, Laveda Niemeier (Ralph) of Salisbury, Missouri.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Trollinger; his father- and mother-in-law, William “Willis” and Bertha Abeln; brothers-in-law, Maurice Abeln (Roma) and Ervin Abeln (Florence); and sisters-in-law, Virginia Shatto (Harry), Mildred Huss (Raymond), and Dorothy Weimer (Raymond).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 9:45 a.m. Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Salisbury, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter or a charity of the donor’s choice.