William H. “Bill” Nottke
August 27, 1951 – November 6, 2025
William H. “Bill” Nottke, 74, of Sunset Hills, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters and their spouses.
Born on August 27, 1951, in Kankakee, Illinois, to William and Adeline Nottke, Bill lived a remarkable life defined by hard work, generosity, and devotion to his family, friends, and passions.
A true entrepreneur, Bill founded Riverdale Packaging Corporation in 1979 — a company that continues to thrive today, 46 years later, as a testament to his vision and determination. His business acumen and leadership left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
Beyond his success in business, Bill found great joy in his second venture, Riverdale Land and Livestock, where he bred and raised Charolais cattle. His dedication to the ranching community earned him induction into the American-International Charolais Association Hall of Fame in 2025 — an honor that reflected his lifelong commitment to excellence and integrity.
Bill’s happiest days were spent at his ranch in Leasburg, Missouri, where he loved tending to his cattle and sharing that life with those he loved most. He was a devoted father to Crystal (Greg) Mueller and Ashley (Luke) Wilson, and a proud grandfather to Bennett, Hudson, Paisley, Will, Parker, and Cooper. His family was the heart of his world.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lora Nottke, and his parents, William and Adeline Nottke. He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, brother Alan, sister Cindy, as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends across the business and ranching communities.
Bill’s generosity, tireless work ethic, and larger-than-life presence touched everyone he met. He was a legendary man — one whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Services: Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home – Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.
A remembrance service will follow on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers memorials to American-International Charolais Associationhttps://charolaisusa.com/american-international-junior-charolais-foundation-give/ or Delta Gamma Center for the Visually Impaired https://www.dgckids.org/ appreciated.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A great friend and a leader who will be missed greatly. His Charolais legacy will live on forever.
Sending our love and prayers to Bill’s family. A wonderful man who will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace in heaven. We love you Ashley. Your dad’s memory and love will be with you in your heart forever.
Ashley, Luke, Will, Parker and Cooper, we are so sorry for your loss. Our love is with you.
One of the best!!! His handshake was his word. His dedication to the Charolais breed-increditable!!!! Good friend since 1991. Great person.
Sending prayers and love to you all.
I was so blessed to talk to Bill at our high school class reunion. I could tell he had a successful and remarkable life by the look on his face as he decribed what he had done in his life. I regret losing touch with him, but I feel he enjoyed his life to the fullest…doing what he enjoyed.
Chrystal ,Ashley and family,
we are so sad about your loss, we think on you and send you love, stay strong,
The family from Luxembourg
Bill will be greatly missed in the neighborhood. He gave a welcome basket to all the new residents, including us, and occasionally some ground beef from his ranch. We didn’t see him a lot, but he was always such a kind and welcoming man. Our condolences to the family, what a great life he led.
Deepest sympathy for your loss. He will be missed. I and Bill were the closest friends in high school. I regret that we drifted and went our own way and didn’t stay in touch. I went to St. Louis years ago and met with Bill and he showed me the warehouse he bought downtown. He was determined to start his own business and the rest is history. The family I’m sure is very proud. I know I am proud to have been his friend.
My deepest Sympathy. Bill was a kind generous person. A true “Legend”. Soft spoken but always with a little kick in his voice.
A pleasure to know and be a friend with Bill.
Bill was a great man. He always met you with a smile and a firm handshake. Enjoyed working with him over the years. Definitely one of the best and will be missed.
Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Charlie and Kathy Freeman
Rest in peace,Bill
Bill was a kind and sensitive man. He always had a smile for you. His contributions were generous, his legacy felt. Sincere condolences to Crystal, Ashley and their families.
Bill was a great human being and good friend. Always enjoyed talking cattle and was genuinely interested in wanting others to succeed. He was a mentor to myself and several young other cattlemen. His generosity and kindness to both of my kids will never be forgotten.
Bill, was a great guy who I enjoyed doing business with and always had a great conversation with when ever we got together. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you Bill for sponsoring me in the Miss Teen pageant in 1984. You were a joy to be around when you were visiting Nella and Gordon next door to us. Thank you for having me babysit Crystal and Ashley when they were little. You were an excellent example of running a business and having a great business ethic. Your family was blessed to have you for their husband, dad, son-in-law and friend to so many. Fly high with Gordo, Nella, Bob, Lora, Joan and Harold Clifton. I was so happy to know you! Sending love to you and your family. Until we see you again!
A real man’s man with high integrity and tons of business savvy. I learned a lot from Bill and will miss his thoughts, wisdom and insights.
Bill and I were classmates at Clifton Central High School in Illinois, graduating in 1969; We were in a number of extra curricular activities together. In our Junior year at Central, Bill set me up with my first date with his younger sister Cindy and we went to Homecoming that year. I can’t claim to be a close friend, but Bill was the kind of guy that was friends with everybody. I entered the Air Force in 1971 and travelled the world for 26 years. This made it hard or impossible for me to attend any of our class reunions, which I deeply regret. I would have enjoyed connecting with Bill again. He was truly one of the best guys in our class! He will be missed…