William D. Gaffney

William D. Gaffney, age 94 of Omaha, NE passed away on August 8, 2022.

William “Bill” Dean Gaffney was born on December 24, 1927 in Omaha, NE. Bill was the eldest son of

Peter and Mary (Kelly) Gaffney.

Bill joined the Navy after graduation from St. Bonaventure High School in Columbus, NE. He served as a

control tower operator while stationed in California during WWII. After his honorable discharge from

service, he attended and graduated from Creighton University. He worked as a salesman for Storz

Brewing Co. until starting his own business “Gaffney’s Bar & Grill.” After selling the bar, he continued

working in various sales positions.

On August 18, 1951, Bill married Mary A. Redenius in Omaha, NE. The couple was blessed with ten

children. Bill and Mary were charter members of St. Pius the Tenth Catholic Church and all their children

attended St. Pius X/St. Leo Catholic School. Their Catholic faith and parish community was an important

part of their life.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing, and in later years, woodworking. He especially enjoyed making

crosses and other wood decorations for the shut-ins. He made wooden framed pictures for friends and

family and enjoyed trying new patterns. He would gladly give his various craft items to family, friends,

hospital staff, strangers, and anyone he thought would enjoy them.

Bill was a very gregarious and fun-loving person. He loved to tell stories, jokes, and visit with people. He

had a quick wit and a real gift of hospitality! He was very good with names, places, and connecting

people together. He used to have a bar sign that said, “You are strangers here but once, The Gaffney’s”

which spoke of his welcoming personality.

He was proud of his Irish heritage and had a bit of the blarney in him! He was a practical joker and loved

pulling pranks on family and friends. To his children and grandchildren, his justice was swift- the twist of

the ring and a thwap on the head told you when you crossed the line. He wasn’t afraid to tell you what

he thought and he might greet you with a ”Top of the morning to you” or a “Pog Mo Thoin”. His Irish

eyes and his impish grin spoke the love and joy he had within.

He loved his wife, Mary, for over 70 years and was heartbroken since she passed. May his heart be

rejoined with hers and may they both be in the presence of our loving and saving God.

He is survived by his ten children: Vicki Owens, Jan (Gene) VonAhn, Bill Gaffney, Tom

(Laura) Gaffney, Mary Kay (Kurt) Cowger, Jim Gaffney, Carol Thomson, Bob Gaffney (fiancé Jackie),

Kathleen (Dean) Headley, and Colleen (Terry) White; grandchildren, Christine, Tami, Kyle, Kollin, Kraig,

Ryan, Cody, Kelley, Bill, Brad, Nick, Kathryn, Jamie, Amanda, Jessica, Andrew, Katie, Kristen, Kimberly,

Jennifer, Nick, Jacob, Morgan, Meghan, Judd, Sarah, Emily, Rachael, Mitch, Liz, Abby, Juliana, Maggie,

Tyler, Quinn, Brett, Jacob, and Aiden; 44 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and

other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary A. Gaffney, parents; Peter and Mary Gaffney; brother; Jack

Gaffney, brothers-in- law; Paul and George Redenius, Leo Ehrig, sisters-in-law; Martha Gaffney,

Catherine Ehrig, and Betty Goodman, sons-in-law; Jim Owens and Terry Thomson, grandchildren;

Michaela Kirkebak and Faith Gaffney, nephews; George and John Ehrig, niece; Anita Rickert.