William James Roberts

William James Roberts passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 10, 2018 at Community East Hospital with Sigrun, his wife of 33 years by his side.  Known as Bill by many and Dad or Grandpa by others, he lived an extraordinarily full life in his 85 years on Earth.

William was born to Bill and Pearl Roberts on March 28, 1932 in Indianapolis. Following the death of his mother in 1934, William was raised primarily in the care of his maternal grandmother, Carolyn Schaedel. He later attended and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950 before joining the United States Air Force in January 1951. He would go on to serve proudly in the Korean Conflict before receiving an honorable discharge in July 1954.

William joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in 1963 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1968, a rank he would hold until his retirement in 1996.  Following retirement from the department, William was offered a unique opportunity, serving as a civilian employee until fully retiring in 2004.

William was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, and he and Sigrun spent years travelling both domestically and internationally. Of all their many travels, he enjoyed his time spent in Italy, most specifically Rome and St. Peters above all. In addition to his many other hobbies, he was a lifelong golfer, and was even a member of the Hole in One Club.

William is preceded in death by his parents William and Pearl Roberts, as well as a son, Scott Thomas. He is survived by his wife Sigrun and seven children from his first marriage to Esther (Mudd) Roberts, Vicki (Byron) Bose, Richard (Karen) Roberts, William Joseph, Tony (Donita) Roberts, Melissa Roberts, Cathy (Robert) Norman, Vincent (Michelle) Roberts, and step-children Stewart Witt and Erik (Karen) Witt. He was also the proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren and great grandfather to five great grandchildren.

A public visitation is scheduled Monday, February 18 from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Home, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19 at Flanner and Buchanan, with burial to follow immediately at Washington Park Cemetery.