Carson City , Nevada—
DeWillo “Bill” Frank Semerau, a resident of Minden, Nevada, passed away in Carson City, NV, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the age of 93. Bill was born in Hollywood, California, on April 19, 1930, to Grace Epperson Semerau and DeWillo Frank Semerau. He grew up in Glendale, CA, as an only child raised by his beloved mother. He held a long career in law enforcement while raising his own family in La Crescenta, CA.
Bill was extremely busy with all his work endeavors, hobbies, and interests with a lifelong passion for all things Railroading and Live Steam Trains. He was a longtime member and past President of Los Angeles Live Steamers in Griffith Park which kept him busy while working 29 years for the Glendale Police Department. After Bill retired he taught Traffic School and was a Security Guard for Lockheed. Bill was involved in and volunteered for the Boy Scouts for over 50 years and received the Eagle Scout honor while in the Army serving his country overseas in the Korean conflict. Bill received his Masters from Cal State L.A. in Public Service and spent most of his adult life and into his 90’s volunteering his time with the Scouts, the Virginia & Truckee RR Historical Society, running the train at Descanso Gardens in La Canada, helping out at the Sr. Citizens Center, and guiding visitors at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. He was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Bill was known to tell stories and his favorite topics included his many summers living and working in Yosemite National Park. He worked for the Curry Co., then became a Fire Suppression Leader, and finally a Park Ranger. Hiking the entire John Muir Trail in tennis shoes was a tall tale he enjoyed sharing.
Bill remarried in 2001 to his dancing, hiking, and railroading partner, Kirsten (deceased in 2019). They moved to Minden while maintaining his private train ranch in the California high desert. Hosting friends, family, and the local community he ran this narrow gauge train track complete with tunnels, trestles, and beautiful desert vistas which he and Kirsten enjoyed for decades. Bill had a long life, well lived, with a strong love of country and volunteer spirit. He is survived by his first wife (Jackie), and children, Chris (and Ellen), Karen, and John, and his grandchildren, Kathryn, Amy, and Shelly.
Services are planned at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Ca Saturday July 22 at 3:30 pm
