William “Bill” J. Roe, 89 years of age, of Mankato, Kansas passed away Saturday, December 27th, 2025, at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in Beloit, Kansas. He was born on June 12, 1936, in rural Webber, Kansas to Clare and Della (Peck) Roe. Family, faith, farming, and cattle were Bill’s lifelong passions.
From 1954-1956, Bill served in the US Army as a Radar Technician and Instructor during the Korean War and achieved the rank of Corporal. Bill was united in marriage to Shirley Konovalsky on October 13, 1954. To this union two children were born: Harrell and Rebecca “Becky.” Upon the conclusion of Bill’s military service, Bill and Shirley moved home to Jewell County, Kansas where they raised their children.
From an early age, Bill played a major role in the family crop and livestock farm. Bill partnered with his brother Lauren Roe and his son Harrell. He also worked closely with his nephew Keith Roe, his grandchildren, and a host of friends and business associates in both Republic and Jewell counties. Bill’s keen eye for cattle made him an invaluable resource for procuring cattle at livestock markets. He traveled many thousands of miles to sale barns around the region, where he met droves of acquaintances that turned into his many friends. No matter where Bill went, he never knew a stranger and always had a story to tell. While Bill’s life was devoted to the ranch, he always made time for short trips to see family or friends.
On November 27, 2004, Shirley entered into spirit, leaving a major void in Bill’s life as well as the rest of the family. He was introduced to Verla Hausar by close friends, and their relationship immediately blossomed. Bill and Verla were united in marriage on July 30, 2006. They made their home in Mankato, Kansas. Verla immediately became a vital part of the family and the farming and livestock operations too. Verla was Bill’s constant companion and beloved caretaker. Bill often said he was a very lucky man to have two incredible women love him like Verla and Shirley did.
Faith was a cornerstone for Bill. He served as Chairman of the Board at the Republic United Methodist Church and on numerous committees over the many years he was a member. Bill had a very strong belief in the value of service to others and was always the first to help anyone in need. Later in life, he became an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mankato, KS and enjoyed sharing his faith with his wife Verla. Bill is survived by his wife Verla Roe of Beloit, KS; daughter, Becky Ost of Superior, NE; grandson, Josh (Adassa) Roe and their son William Roe of Westmoreland, KS; granddaughter, Jenna Roe of Formoso, KS; granddaughter, Heather (Andrew) Wilber of Concordia, KS; granddaughter, Janell (John) Roe-Sawtelle and their son Aubrey Sawtelle of Rowlett, TX; grandson, Brice Ost of West Palm Beach, FL; and son-in-law Darrell (Terri) Kelley of Beloit, KS; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clare and Della Roe; wife, Shirley Roe; son, Harrell Roe; son-in-law, Kirk Ost; brother, Lauren (Virginia) Roe; and sister, Ilene (Rex) Headrick.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating. Burial to follow at the Olive Hill Cemetery, Rural Jewell County.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with Family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melby Mortuary in Mankato.
Memorials may be left to the Evangelical Lutheran Church or Republic Community Church. Condolences may be left online at www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956 in charge of arrangements.
