Willis L. "Bill" Plate, of North Loup passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska at the age of 81.

Willis L. was born July 20, 1943, to Willis D. and Rhoda (Miller) Plate, on his grandparents', Miller's farm northeast of Ord, Nebraska. He was raised on the family farm east of Ord and received his early education at Sumter Country School then graduated from Ord High School in 1961. While in high school, Bill was very active in 4-H, FFA and track.

Bill attended Kearney State College for a year and was a member of the rodeo team. He returned to the family farm where he and his dad, Willis farmed and ranched together.

In 1964, Bill married Leila Stevens, the couple was blessed with four children, Stephanie, Christopher, James and Nicholas. In 1975, the family moved south of North Loup where Bill owned and operated a hog farm.

Later Bill was united in marriage to Karen Kriewald. The couple had two sons, Logan and Silas. They settled on the family farm east of Ord. Bill continued to farm and ranch until his health declined. Bill has been a resident of Community Memorial Health Center since June of 2023, where he had many friends and was voted as King last year.

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the fall hunting trips to Wyoming with friends. He was a supporter of FFA and 4-H and was a past 4-H and BB Gun leader. His favorite pastimes were attending his children's and grandchildren's activities. He was very proud of his family, especially his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of North Loup; a daughter, Stephanie of Grand Island; five sons and three daughters-in-law, Chris and Farrah Plate of Lincoln, Jim Plate of Kearney, Nick and Trisha Plate of Cairo, Logan and Jennifer Plate of What Cheer, Iowa and Silas Plate of North Loup; eight grandchildren,  Ava and Ella Plate, Adrienne (Lance) Luehm, Alecsander, Delaney and Cambree Plate and Beckett and Amelia Plate; and four great-grandchildren, Elenor, Amelia, Audrey and Albrecht Luehm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Deanna; and two brothers, Paul and Jim Plate.

Bill's wishes were to be cremated. A private family service will be held.

Memorials are suggested to the North Loup Methodist Church or Donor's Choice. Condolences may be sent to Karen Plate, 81160 485th Avenue, North Loup, NE 68859.