01/12/2026
William “Bill” M. Yard, 97, of Ashland, NE, entered into eternal rest surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Oxbow Living Center in Ashland. He was born March 13, 1928 in Omaha, NE to Leo and Ruby (Frizzell) Yard. Bill attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and graduated from Technical High School in Omaha. On April 29, 1950, he was married to Bonnie Lawrence at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, IA.
Bill worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a switchman until his retirement. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Ahamo Archery Club and the Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed farming, building and flying aircraft, golf, square dancing and hunting. All who knew Bill enjoyed his steadfast love of family and friends and his quiet sense of humor, often deployed with a sparkle in his eye.
He is survived by children, Linda Lou Yard, Mike (Heather) L. Yard, Robert W. Yard, Donna M. (Jim) Yates, Dave J. (Michele) Yard; grandchildren, Steve, Nick, Ben, and Will Heimann, Joe Yard, Brennan Van Westering, Delaney Yard, Logan and Casey Yard, Nathan Yates and Abby (Yates) Bryte, April, Mickayla, and Colton Yard; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Alex, Cohwen, Garrett, Montana, Bailey, and Emmy and Nora Heimann, Isabel Heiman, Madeline and Nolan Yard, Jameson and Hendrik Van Westering, Evy and Ben Yates, Olive Dunnewold, and Caily Yard, Lexi Bray.
He was preceded in death by Bonnie, his wife of 66 years; parents, Leo and Ruby Yard; sisters, Mary Lou (Leo) Benda and Donna Jane Yard; brother, Jack (Cora Lee) Yard, and daughter-in-law, Debi Yard.
Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday (1/17/26) 10 am with a 9:30 am Rosary all at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ashland, NE.
Visitation, Friday (1/16/26) 5-7 pm at Marcy Mortuary.
Interment at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha
Memorials to St. Jude Children’s research Hospital.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343