William Tate Nitschke

A jokester and prankster at heart, Bill always found humor in life and shared it with everyone he met. To him, there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t talked to yet.

Born March 11, 1938 in Austin, TX he was the only child to Homer Tate and Ernestine (Beakley) Nitschke. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, attended the University of Texas and received an associates degree from Southwest Texas State. Raised in Austin led to his young entrepreneurial spirit, from his paper route, to selling fireworks or finding some new venture. In his career, it all seemed to circle back to sales and he had the charm to sell just about anything with his grin and a good story.

He married Patsy Harris on November 21, 1969. They primarily raised their family in Canyon Lake, Texas, where they owned and operated a small family business The Hill Country Trader, a free advertising newspaper. His greatest loves were his family, his faith, and his country. He was an avid supporter of University of Texas football and enjoyed cheering for college and professional football along with the San Antonio Spurs basketball. He enjoyed fishing, watching golf and making memories with his grandchildren. Among his many blessings in life, the fellowship, faith, and prayers of his church family brought him great joy and peace.

Preceding him in death were his mother and father and loving wife for 38 years, Patsy (Harris) Nitschke.

Survivors include daughter Deborah Dillingham, daughter Kimberly Rotto (Bryan) and three grandchildren, daughter Tammy Sokol (Eugene) and grandson Christopher, daughter Teresa Hendon (Gene), son Edward Nitschke (Jennie Files) and daughter Melissa Amos (Michael) and grandchildren Winter, Landon, Jayden, Christopher, Mia and Easton. Also survived by his beloved companion, Peggy J. Walker.

A celebration of life service will be held in Fort Worth Friday, October 24, 2 PM at Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation. All who knew him are also invited to a graveside service, Hill Country Memorial Gardens 11700 State Hwy 46 W. Spring Branch, TX 78070 on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11 AM.

To honor Bill’s life, the family invites you to share an act of kindness and continue forwarding the love of Christ. He didn’t take life too seriously and that might have been his secret all along to a long well lived life.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23