William (Bill) Herbert Tschannen passed away on April 12, 2025, after a short illness due to an accident. He passed away peacefully with his wife and loyal dog by his side. Bill was born March 2, 1943. He dearly loved his family, and he was loved more than words could ever express. He had a life filled with many adventures. As a teenager, Bill loved to work on his cars and race at the Oswego Drag Strip. He enjoyed working at local farms in the summertime. He also spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with his dad. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. During his time in the service he traveled to the Philippines and Vietnam. In 1980 Bill moved his family to Lander, Wyoming, where his heart longed to be. He loved Wyoming and the mountains. He spent many days riding horseback (on his horse Lucky) through the Wind River Mountains and other mountain ranges. Bill, his family, and friends made many memories in those mountains. Bill enjoyed his occupation as a transport truck driver for High Country Construction, as this had him traveling all around the wonderful state of Wyoming. He and his wife Shirley accomplished a lifelong dream to own their own ranch—a most beautiful ranch nestled up against the mountainside near Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He loved looking at the mountains every day. He also enjoyed working on his tractors and motorcycles.
Bill was proud to be called “The Racing Rancher” as he loved to race his Harley Davidson motorcycles in drag races around the country. Bill was an avid hunter and made many trips with his friends hunting big horn sheep, elk, antelope, and deer. Bill always had a great sense of humor and always had a smile and laugher that was contagious to all around him. He loved music and loved “Wyoming Sounds” on PBS radio.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Herbert Tschannen and Evelyn Schaben. He is survived by his wife Shirley Tschannen; son Matt Tschannen; daughter Kristy (JD) Carper; grandchildren Dalton Tschannen, Brek (Sarah) Carper, and Lexi Carper; and great grandchildren Brooks and Hazel. He is also survived by his sisters Bonnie Wegman and Beth (Chris) Olson, his brother Steve (Karla) Tschannen, his sister-in-law Wanda Etzell–and several nieces and nephews.
Bill will be dearly missed by his family and so many friends. We love you Bill and you will be forever in our hearts.
Bill’s family will host a celebration of life toward the end of May. They will announce the date, time, and location in the near future.