William "Bill" Oesterle

Bill Oesterle, a business and community leader whose passion for improving Indiana and ensuring equitable opportunity for all was surpassed only by his love for his family, died May 10, 2023 at home of complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 57.

Born September 26, 1965, to Eric and Germaine Oesterle in Lafayette, he grew up in West Lafayette. He is survived by his wife, Kristi, six children, Maggie Shipman (Ande), Kayla English, Katie Smith (Mark), Emma Oesterle, Fischer Oesterle and Luella Oesterle along with three grandchildren, Lilah Shipman, Luke and Willa Smith. He was the youngest of five children and is survived by his older siblings, Eric Oesterle, Elizabeth Oesterle, Dale Oesterle and Mary Ellen Oesterle.

Bill was the definition of a Renaissance Man, his depth of knowledge across a wide array of topics humbled many, but his engaging personality enabled him to draw anyone into approachable conversations. He had an amazing wit, comedic timing and engaging sense of humor. He was an avid reader, especially of history. His interests included all things antique, especially vintage machines including cars, motorcycles, boats, and later airplanes as well. He was a talented mechanic who could fix many things, and when necessary, he had very special friends to back him up. In recent years he developed a love of baking pies, including perfecting classical recipes for unassuming but delicious Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie, Vinegar Pie and his legendary Turkey Pot Pie at Thanksgiving.

He loved to explore the world through new experiences, domestically and abroad. He especially loved his time in the Finger Lakes region of New York with family; spending summers boating, hiking and wine tasting. He traveled the world with a ragtag group of friends from various periods of his life, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, the Milford Track in the Fiordland National Park of New Zealand and connecting with relatives of dear friends in their hometowns of Orizaba and Neuvo Ixcatlan, Mexico. Closer to home it was his farm in Southern Indiana, near Farmer’s Retreat, where he would hike, fish and hunt. Farmer’s Retreat was a special respite for him. He brought the 1800’s farm house back to its original glory, had a decommissioned fire tower trucked in from the Ozark National Forest and rebuilt on a majestic ridge and was always starting a new project. It was at the farm that Bill reinvigorated his children’s and nephews’ love of Easter, by introducing an annual Easter Egg hunt with non-traditional prizes like “name the next farm animal, “shopping spree with Aunt JuJu” and “bowling and singing lessons with Grandpa and Grandma.”

But ultimately it was Indiana, and specifically Indianapolis, that had his heart. It was here that he raised his family, built and invested in businesses and pushed for progress in the place he loved so much. After graduating from Purdue University, he began his career working for former Governor Robert Orr and then with former Governor Mitch Daniels at the Hudson Institute. Both men inspired him to work to attract and retain talent to Indiana. The Orr Fellowship, which he co-founded, has helped shape hundreds of young college graduates, many of whom remain working in Indiana and/or founded their own companies. They found a stalwart mentor in Bill, who kept providing advice and counsel long into his illness. His influence with young leaders didn’t stop with the Orr Fellowship. Dozens, if not hundreds of others, who worked with Bill at Angie’s List, also founded their own companies or went on to successful careers. Others followed him with post-Angie’s List venture MakeMyMove, which supports his talent development goals.

His relationship with Daniels included a pivotal moment when Bill was preparing to secure his Master’s Degree from Harvard University and thus leaving Indiana. Daniels demanded that Bill come back to Indiana upon graduation, telling him the state needed him. Of course, Bill turned that around on Daniels later, convincing him to run for governor. In true Bill fashion, he ran an unorthodox and wildly successful campaign for Daniels. Considered a novice in political circles at the time, the win solidified Bill’s political reputation as a political maverick. The two remained close and worked together on issues they agreed were important to the state’s continued progress.

Bill’s legacy as a business and community leader is inextricably linked to Angie’s List, the company he co-founded with Angie Hicks that went public and was eventually acquired. He deeply loved the business and the people who worked there. Bill had a knack for seeing things in people they couldn't see in themselves. He was relentless in wringing it out of them. He hired people who were looking for a place to be accepted, and Angie’s List became their home. But that was true his entire life, he befriended governors and homeless people and gave both of them hope and purpose. He had no prejudice. He despised people who took unfair advantage of others.

Bill loved his family and was unique in his ability to merge friends from all walks of life into his family. He made everyone feel welcome at all functions, successfully blurring the traditional lines that needlessly encumber many social gatherings. He was generous with sharing his passion of fine dining, wine, champagne and bourbon, but may have loved sharing an Old Style beer and catching up at Fat Dan’s or local dive bar even more. He was a caring and wonderful friend and was liberal with his time when friends and family needed his love, advice or a place to stay. Bill invested his time, efforts and dollars to revitalize neglected areas of Indianapolis, including the former Angie’s List campus downtown, which is now known as Elevator Hill, the 38th Street Corridor in Midtown and other historic buildings in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of 38th Street, a not-for-profit near and dear to Bill’s heart.

Bill’s passing has left a gaping hole in many lives. He impacted everyone he met, and his wisdom and advice will continue to guide those who knew him through his values of honesty, integrity, hard work, commitment to doing what is right, and the importance of friends and family. Knowing the challenges that ALS would soon present, in 2021, he encouraged hundreds of former Angie’s List team members to “go out and do bold things,” a call that many of them continue to answer.

The loss of his physical presence is immeasurable, but his legacy will shine forever. Those who loved him are thankful to have crossed the path of William “Bill” Oesterle. A celebration of Bill’s life that will reflect his vibrant, eccentric and entertaining personality, will be held at The Mavris on June 1st from 3-8 p.m. If you have a favorite Bill story to share for that event, please share on the link below!