William Bailey Rotert, Age: 78
Send Flowers
May 12, 1947---Nov 11, 2025

William ("Bill") Bailey Rotert of Lenexa, Kansas, passed peacefully on November 11, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. Bill was born to Marie and William Rotert on May 12, 1947. Newborn Bill was featured in the local Sioux City, lowa, newspaper as being the first baby born at the hospital on what was then National Hospital Day. Marie often commented that Bill was born happy. He was always the optimist. Bill was a smart, kind, compassionate soul who loved life. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1969. Upon graduation, he joined the workforce as a proud civil servant, starting his career at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which spanned 38 years. He retired from HUD in April 2006 as the Regional Director for Community Planning and Development. After retirement, he worked as a consultant with Corporate Facts, working for his two favorite bosses, Michelle Bush and Andrea Lowe. Hiking, fishing, golfing and gardening were some of Bill's hobbies. He thoroughly enjoyed the music and theater venues of the Kansas City area, the Chaz and Unicorn Theater were among his favorites. He cheered on the Chiefs, Royals and of course, his beloved Razorbacks. Bill looked forward to our date nights with neighbors Joe and Jill and the impromptu gatherings on the patio with friends and neighbors on lovely summer evenings, with the highlight being Charlie coming over for a good scratch behind the ears and a treat. Bill's parents and brother, Gary (surviving Bette) predeceased him. Survivors include Joanne Verebelyi of the home, his daughter Beth of Arlington, Texas, nieces, nephews, many friends, neighbors and Beth's mother, Kathy Rotert of Arlington, Texas. The Prewitt, Jablonski, Bohling, Angell, Odlaug, and Cornelius families were Bill's bonus extended families, he cherished their love and friendship. Special thanks to the staff of the KU BMT Clinic, KU Medical Center, and Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care for their unending devotion to their patients, showing true compassion. Apt for Bill, to borrow from the late Senator Thomas Eagleton's letter to friends and family..."go forth in love and peace-be kind to dogs-and vote Democratic". Bill will be missed. No service is planned.


Condolences

Adair Weingart Nov 13, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Bill was the only person I could discuss religion & politics with. He was always respectful of my opinion. I loved our date nights with Bill & Joanne, whether it was at a fine restaurant, or dinner at our homes, it was always filled with laughter & crazy conversations. He was one of the most interesting people I’ve known. His life experiences, his openness to new friends or new idea, his generosity to causes & research that he believed in. Passion might be a word I would use to describe Bill. He was deeply passionate about his love & caring for Joanne. Safe travels, my friend

John Anheier Nov 13, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Sandi and I send our condolences to all and especially joanne verberly, who was with Bill through all his suffering. Bill was a great person who also loved to fish on silver lake. Attended many fish frys with Bill and joanne. He will be missed.

Michelle Bush Nov 13, 2025

Friend and Colleague ,Jacksonville ,Florida

I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to Joanne, Beth, and the entire Rotert family. Bill was truly one of a kind—steadfastly optimistic, endlessly kind, and generous in both spirit and action. I had the privilege of working with Bill after his long and distinguished career at HUD, and it was an honor to call him both a colleague and a friend. His wisdom, patience, and quiet humor brightened every day. Bill brought integrity and compassion to everything he touched, leaving a lasting impression on all of us at Corporate Facts. We traveled with him from New Jersey to Detroit to the Virgin Islands, working together to improve the lives of countless families. Andrea and I often remarked how fortunate we were to stand beside someone with such depth of character, genuine warmth, and unwavering commitment to others. With great admiration, love and respect — we will miss you, Bill. Michelle Bush

Eugene (Gene) Buss Nov 13, 2025

friend ,Arlington ,Texas

For 10+- years Bill was a co-worker and a part of our Saturday foursome on the links. He was the best at both but most of all he was a good and faithful friend.

Ben Wiley Nov 13, 2025

Friend ,Walsenburg ,Colorado

Before he was my friend, Bill was my grad school professor and my employment mentor. As humans, perfection is unattainable, but Bill, as much as anyone I've known came close. His great intellect was evident to anyone hearing him speak in public settings. And that was matched by his compassion for those he served so admirably. Character or Integrity could have been his middle name. By happenstance, we shared a passion for sports entertainment and other hobbies which enabled a growing friendship. I'll miss Bill enormously and only regret that we didn't have more time together.

Andrea Lowe Nov 14, 2025

Friend ,Jacksonville ,Florida

I am deeply saddened by Bill’s passing. He poured so much knowledge into me, and I will always cherish the time we shared. We traveled together to the Virgin Islands, and those memories—full of learning, laughter, and stories—will stay with me forever. Bill served as a lead advisor to my mother and me at Corporate FACTS, and what he invested in this business can never be fully explained. His wisdom, clarity, and steady guidance helped shape who we are today, and I will always be grateful. I smile thinking about how Bill would tease about all the “C-words” that seem to run our work—collaboration, compliance, and especially anything about Continuum. Even though he joked about hating those terms, he embodied the best “C-words”: commitment, candor, courage, character, and compassion. Bill also loved sharing stories about his family. His eyes would always light up when he talked about his daughter, and Beth, please know that he spoke of you with such pride and affection. And to Joanne—he loved you dearly. Anyone who spent time with Bill could see how special your bond was. Thank you, Joanne, for encouraging him to come out of retirement each time—we were all better because of it. Bill’s legacy lives on in every life he touched and every organization he strengthened. With heartfelt sympathy, Andrea Lowe

Mike Eakins Nov 14, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Bill was a very good friend and neighbor. We worked together, played golf together, partied together and sometimes hurt together. He will be missed. I know his picture is in the “Good Guy” book.

Photo Gallery