William "Bill" Sharff

William “Bill” Lee Sharff, 78, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, ND including a time for family and friends to share stories and memories.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Parkway Funeral Service.

Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Bismarck, with military honors. Cremation has taken place.

Bill was born on December 14, 1946, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Lee and Lois (Lidstrom) Sharff. After graduating from Jamestown High School in 1964, he went on to earn a degree in Economic Geography from the University of North Dakota in 1969. That same year, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam with honor and courage. For his service, Bill received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal — distinctions he wore with quiet pride.

After returning home in 1971, Bill continued his education at North Dakota State University, earning his master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning in 1977. He married Rebecca Buckle on August 18, 1973, and lived in several cities before finally settling in Mandan, ND, the place where they raised a family and he came to call home. Bill was a devoted father and grandfather who loved board games, family picnics, horseback rides, and cheering from the bleachers at basketball games. He enjoyed watching old family videos, Little House on the Prairie, Jeremiah Johnson, and his favorite movies over and over again. He also loved ice cream, Hershey Almond Bars, a good hamburger, and a good hotdish — simple pleasures that always brought a smile to his face.

A true outdoorsman, Bill was happiest with the sun on his face and a trail under his boots. Whether walking the quiet roads near home or hiking the rugged paths of the Black Hills, he found peace and strength in nature.

Bill had a deep respect for history and could lose himself for hours in a good book about the American Revolution, the Civil War, or ancient Egypt. His shelves were lined with antique rifles and stories from the past, and he never turned down a classic western movie.

He dedicated much of his career to public service, working for the North Dakota Departments of Health, Human Services, Corrections, and the Water Commission. Bill found his calling in water education — teaching K–12 students and teachers about water quality, resources, and conservation. His passion led to the creation of youth water festivals across the state and training programs for educators. His legacy in water education earned him numerous awards and the respect of colleagues statewide.

On April 7, 2007, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Steckler. Together, they built a life full of laughter, love, and adventure. In 2015, they moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, where Bill spent countless happy days exploring the trails of the Black Hills he loved so dearly. In 2022, they returned to Bismarck to be closer to family.

The most important decision Bill ever made was accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. He cherished his faith, enjoyed studying Scripture, and valued fellowship with others in Bible study.

Bill will be remembered for his generosity, curiosity, and quiet strength — a man who loved deeply, thought deeply, and lived out his passions deeply.

Bill’s journey here has ended, but his love for family, his curiosity about the world, and his faith in God continue to ripple through the lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lois Sharff; his brother, Carter Sharff; his son, Jason Sharff; grandson, Whitley Sharff; and brother-in-law, Jay Spethman.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Sharff; his brother, Richard Sharff; sister-in-law, Carole Sharff; daughter, Kara Sharff; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Sharff; stepson, Scott (Faye) Bergan; grandchildren Cody Sharff, Skyla (Matt) Coggins, Chloe Sharff, Akira Speidel, Kylie (Aaron) Haverlock, and Joran Bergan; great-grandchildren Elijah Sharff, Jeremy Coggins, Elise and Lillian Haverlock; and the mother of his children, Rebecca Sharff. He is also survived by Mary’s siblings and their spouses: Wanda (Charlie) Welch, Patty (Tim) Sadowsky, Joan Spethman, Tom (Marietta) Karey, Jeff (Twyla) Karey, and Mike (Julie) Karey.