William H. “Bill” Amberger, age 79, of Batesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. Born February 20, 1945, in Batesville, he is the son of Leo and Ruth (Nee: Zins) Amberger. He married Elaine Lunsford on July 2, 1966, at St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Church in St. Mary’s, Indiana. Bill spent his entire working career in the lumber business, starting as a sophomore in high school for Steinkamp’s, then Zeigler’s, before owning Batesville Building Materials, and eventually finishing his career at Gillman’s Home Center. Bill was a member of the St. Mary’s of the Rock Church, Southeastern Indiana Home Builders Association, Knights of Columbus Council #1461, Knights of St. John Commandery #243, Eagles Aerie #1130, Batesville American Legion, and was a past President of the Batesville Lion’s Club. He also served in the Army National Guard for four years.
It can simply be said, Bill loved sports. When the time came to hang up his softball cleats and bowling wasn’t enough, he and Elaine took up golfing. They were members of Cricket Ridge from the time it opened until it closed. They would go on golfing and bowling trips each year with family and friends. When he wasn’t playing sports, he was watching or listening to them, whether it be watching Notre Dame and Colts football, IU basketball or listening to the Reds on the radio, he loved sports. But his favorite team without a doubt was the Batesville Bulldogs, he truly enjoyed going to his grandkids’ sporting events. Bill was always proud of his grandchildren, they were his “punkins” (pumpkins). Bill loved spending time with family and friends. Sundays were spent outside, greeting all who stopped by to chat and have a beer. He was always up for a golf cart ride, a hayride, a bonfire and he would never turn down a card game.
He is survived by his wife Elaine of Batesville; daughters Katrina (Charles) Lamppert of Oldenburg, Indiana, Kateri (Rick) Paul and Kris (Mike) Baumer, all of Batesville; son Doug (Kathy) Amberger of Batesville; grandchildren Madison and Tristian Lamppert, Carley O’Gara (Gavin), Chelsey, and Kylie Paul, Katelyn (Tim) Dossman, William, Audrey, and Beatrice Amberger, Ben Baumer and Bailey (Alex) Maloney; great grandchildren Walter, June, Ivy, Nova, Arthur, and three on the way; brothers John (Dodie) Amberger, Albert (Ellie) Amberger, and David (Pam) Amberger, all of Batesville; sisters Rosemary (Joe) Gander, Millie (Kelly) Blanken, Dee (Tom) Linkel, Mags (Mitch) Thielking, and Ann (Andy) Gutzwiller, all of Batesville; sisters-in-law JoAnn Amberger of Sunman, Indiana and Debbie Amberger of Batesville; brother-in-law John Ernstes of Greensburg. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Hattie Dossman; brothers Richard and Steve Amberger; sisters Edith Ernstes, and Alma Amberger.
Visitation is Thursday, September 19th, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 20th, at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church, with Fr. John Barker O.F.M. officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s of the Rock Preservation Society or the Sisters of St. Francis. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.