William “Bill” Gasser passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at the age of 91 at the Nantucket Nursing Facility.
He was married to his wife, Sandra, for 66 years.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Goldie Graber and Bernard Gasser. He joined the US Navy in 1952 during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, where he was introduced to the printing industry. After his service in the Navy, he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Kansas City University (UMKC) to become a pharmacist.
While attending school, he went on a blind date with a young lady who was a student at MU; that is when he met the love of his life, Sandra Ruben. They both completed their studies at Kansas City University, receiving their degrees in pharmacy.
Bill worked for Katz Drugs Stores while Sandra worked for Rexall drugs in Shawnee, Kansas. In 1975, Sandra and Bill purchased the store and were among the first married pharmacists to work together, under the store name of Gasser Drugs. In 1978, the two went on to open and operate a pharmacy in John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, while Bill still worked at Skaggs/Osco. A few years later, Bill opened a second store, Dollar Drugs, in Lee’s Summit, and once again they worked together for the next 20 years at that location, until they retired together.
Bill and Sandra enjoyed spending time together. They had many hobbies and interests, including spending time with family, camping and taking weekend trips to plant trees on their land.
Bill excelled at whatever he put his mind to. He won many Blue Ribbons around the state for his photography. He built an array of sailboats and raced them every Sunday at local lakes. Later in life, he began growing dahlias in his backyard, becoming an active member of the local Dahlia Society. His dahlias were entered into competitions, winning him several awards.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandra, and parents Goldie and Bernard Gasser. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Weinstein; three children, Chuck Gasser (Andrea), Ben Gasser (Irene) and Ann Myer; and eight loving grandchildren.
Services were held on Aug. 22 at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations to any animal rescue organization or to the Jack and Sarah Ruben Family Fund at Kehilath Israel Synagogue be made.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
