William Woodrow (Bill) Wells passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2026, in the light of the Full Snow Moon. He was born to Frank and Francis Wells on March 19, 1946, in Saint Louis, Missouri. As a young boy, Bill lived in Seattle, Washington, and later moved with his family to a ranch just outside of Valentine, Nebraska.

He attended Lookout County School in Cherry County, Nebraska, and graduated from Valentine Senior High School in 1964. Upon graduation, Bill attended Chadron State College, where he was a member of the Lambda Delta Lambda Honors Science Fraternity and graduated in 1968.

While attending college, Bill met the love of his life, Nanci. They were married, and from that union four children were born: William Brantly, Sara Kay, Susan Michelle, and Christopher David.

After college, Bill taught high school math, physics, chemistry, and electronics in the Nebraska Panhandle. During that time, he discovered his love and affinity for radio and earned his Amateur Radio Operator’s License. Bill’s passion for radio and electronics led him to a career as an electronic engineer for Nebraska Public Television from the late 1970s through the late 1980s, and later in telecommunications for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, where he worked until his retirement in 2015.

Bill enjoyed many hobbies, including amateur radio, bird watching, sailing, astronomy, photography, and attending his grandchildren’s many activities. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Francis Wells.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nanci; their children Brant Wells, Sara Wells Olston (Thomas), Susan Coatney (T. Matthew), and Christopher Wells (Cherisa Price Wells); his brother Donald Wells; and his sister Mary Thompson.

Bill was blessed with many grandchildren: Elysabeth Marie, Laura Suzanne, Violet Katherine, Madalyn McClain, William Peregrine, Jonathan Michael, Audrey Michelle, Pryce William, and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for March 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chet Ager Prairie Nature Center Conference Room in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorials to the family are suggested in lieu of flowers.

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