William Deane Ramseyer

March 16, 1944 – August 8, 2026

It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Bill Ramseyer, who died peacefully at home on August 8, 2026, at age 82, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters after a battle with cancer.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, curiosity, love of family, and genuine interest in the world around him.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bill met his high school sweetheart, Mary Hope Rick. They were members of the school band and were crowned prom king and queen their senior year. After life took them in different directions, they reconnected at their 26th high school reunion and discovered that the bond they shared as teenagers was still there. In 1989, they married, and Bill moved to Arizona. Together they spent the next 37 years as husband and wife and soulmates, creating a life filled with family, friendship and love.

Bill owned a data-entry company in Milwaukee and performed as a drummer and singer with the Tommy Sheridan Trio. In Arizona, he spent 26 years as a respected Scottsdale Realtor, helping develop the Pinnacle Peak Luxury Home Tour. In April 2026, just 4 months before his passing, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his contributions to real estate.

Bill had an extraordinary love for learning and discovery. He was inquisitive by nature and always wanted to understand how things worked, explore new ideas, and expand his knowledge. He was deeply passionate about music, real estate, astrology, science, and especially astronomy. He never stopped asking questions or seeking new experiences. His genuine curiosity reflected his open mind and his belief that there was always something more to learn, appreciate and share.

His grandchildren describe him as loving, thoughtful, patient, supportive, and their biggest cheerleader. He encouraged them to stay curious and pursue their own interests. He also had a special connection with animals, and was affectionately known as a “dog whisperer” in the neighborhood.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Hope Ramseyer; daughters Audra (Matthew) Yentz, Lorin (Scott) Godes, and Jenny (Tim) Richardson; son Eric Astor (Kim Stryker); grandchildren Ryan (CeCe Staege) Yentz, McKayla (Will) Gutzmer, Olivia Yentz, Sophia Yentz, Jack (Kendall Wilhelmson) Yentz, Talia Braufman, Ella Braufman, Adam Godes, Payton Richardson, and John Richardson; great-grandson Mason Gutzmer; sister Bonnie Plunkett; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Hilda Ramseyer; brothers Paul (Grace) Ramseyer and Jim (Cindy) Ramseyer; nephew Michael Ramseyer; and brother-in-law Moody Plunkett.

A celebration of life will be held on November 7th, 2026 at 1:00pm at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield WI 53005.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship at camelotaz.org, Hospice of the Valley Scottsdale Arizona at hov.org or donor’s favorite charity.

Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and remembered forever.