Retired DAV NSO William J. Disher dies.

William J. Disher, 87, a retired DAV National Service Officer (NSO) passed away, March 26, 2003.

"Bill Disher served 33 years as a highly successful, professional DAV National Service Officer," DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said. "Being a DAV NSO was a dedicated calling Bill embraced with an enthusiasm he shared with everyone. His efforts truly built better lives for countless disabled veterans, their families and survivors.

"We are saddened at NSO Disher's passing and extend condolences to his loved ones."

It is said, when those you teach speak well of you, you are successful beyond measure. NSO Disher trained DAV Supervisory NSO Gregory A. Seurer, who says of his teacher, "He was one of the nicest, most upbeat people you'd ever meet. I think I'm a better person for having known him. To Bill, the DAV wasn't a job, it was a vocation."

Mr. Disher was born on Jan. 14, 1916, at Hansboro. N.D., where he grew up and graduated from public schools, before enlisting ill the U.S. Army in Feb. 1942, during World War II.

On Dec 5, 1944, while serving with the U.S. Army 5th Armored Division in Germany, Mr. Disher was wounded by shrapnel. His wounds caused paralysis of his left arm and hand, resulting in his being medically discharged from the Army in 1946.

Following military service, Mr. Disher attended and graduated from the Education Program for National Service Officers with Veterans' Organizations at the American University in Washington, D.C. He received additional training at the DAV National Service Office in Fargo, N.D., and at the DAV National Service Office in Minneapolis, Minn. He returned to Fargo in 1948, where he was later promoted to Supervisory NSO of the office and assisted disabled veterans and their families there until his retirement in January 1980.

Mr. Disher was a life member and Past Chapter Commander and Adjutant of DAV Chapter 1, Fargo, N.D.

Mr. Disher's wife, Blanche, sons, David, Kenneth, and Gregory, granddaughters, Karen, Abby, and Delaney, and brother Charles survive him.