William Duane. ‘Bill’ Domres, the son of William L. and Erna (Sperling) Domres was born on December 7, 1930 in Dresden, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 83 years on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Trinity Medical Center in Minot after complications with heart surgery.

Bill was raised and educated in Dresden until attending high school in Langdon where he graduated in 1948. Following high school, he began his career in the newspaper business, working at the Cavalier County Republican in Langdon under the guidance of Dick Forkner and Ed Franta, where he worked until 1955. Bill began work at the Walsh County Record for Rilie Morgan and his son Jack.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lillian Washabek on January 17, 1957 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They lived happily together for the past 58 years.  His career led him to ownership of the Cavalier Chronicle in 1957, partnering with Jack Morgan and Ted Schrader.  In 1965, Bill and Lillian purchased the Mouse River Farmers Press in Towner from a farmer owned corporation run by Fern Lee. They also owned Gross Printing Company in Minot, the Velva Journal, Oakes Times and the Ellendale Leader.  The family also built a centralized printing plant for the newspapers in 1980.  The family business was sold in 1992 to Kelly Publishing.  The couple remained working for the company until 2006.  They continued to do printing until Bill’s death.  He was honored in 2000, being inducted to the North Dakota Newspaper Association 50 year club.

Bill served on many boards throughout his life, 18 years on the Towner City Commission, 12 as Mayor and President of the Towner Chamber of Commerce.  He was instrumental in establishing Towner Economic Development Corporation, serving many years on the board. Throughout the years he received many awards in his community including 4-H, FFA, US Forestry Service, Business Advisory Council ‘Business Man of the Year’, Towner Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, Governor’s Leadership Award and many other various organizations.  Bill had a passion for flying and owned several airplanes throughout his life.  His 1959 Mooney airplane (owned by the Towner Flying Club), is now displayed at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot.  Bill will always be remembered for his love for his family, his smile, kindness to others, hard work and humor that would brighten the darkest day.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lillian of Towner; his son, Roger (Sherry) of Bismarck; daughter, Kim (Mike) Schulz of Mound, MN; grandchildren, Rilie (Nicci) Domres of Minot; Ryan Domres of Fargo, Luke Domres of Bismarck, Amanda (Schulz) Jake Seys of Watertown, MN, and Jeremy Schulz of Mound, MN; great grandchild, Masen Domres of Minot; sisters, Lavelda Waslaski of Park River, Shirley (Mark) Jennings of Billings, MT; brother Delbert (Linda) Domres of Williston; nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Goschke; a brother, Robert Domres; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner, ND.  At his request he has bequeathed his body to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine for research.  Pastor Linda Wimmer, Officiating.

There will be no visitation or reviewal will be held prior to the services.