04/15/2026
A message from our President, Bob Koefer:
Tribute to Bill Arner
Yesterday, I learned the sad news of Bill Arner’s passing. Bill was an “Elder Statesman” of the North End Rod and Gun Club. He had participated in the Lehigh Valley Trapshooter’s League since the late 1960’s. A Navy Veteran, he was one of the most accomplished shooters in our League for over the past sixty years.
Between the years of 1980 and 2013, Bill found himself among the League’s Top Ten Shooters eleven times. He also anchored, as post one leadoff, perhaps the most accomplished and productive squad in our League’s history. His squadmates - Freeman Kline Jr, Gary Wieand, Stanley Borascius, Keith Engler, Bob Bortz (among other North End members) would shoot late each week and often “pull a rabbit out of a hat” by breaking much needed perfect scores to push the North End team to a win or championship due to their success. Bill was the leadoff shooter of two of the three perfect squads recorded in League history.
He will also be remembered as one of the first local trapshooters who embraced Perazzi sh****ns as his fi***rm of choice. A choice that would carry over to his daughter Diane, who is a Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame Member for her historical accomplishments. This year his grandson, Tyler Motzkus achieved his first Top Ten selection completing three generations of the Arner family receiving this coveted Top Ten league LVTL award.
Beside trapshooting, Bill was an accomplished outdoorsman and fishing was another great passion for him. Natured as very quiet individual, (still waters run deep), he was a great source of knowledge and wisdom when it came to shooting, fishing and bluegrass music. He played mandolin with a family bluegrass band and was a great resource for recommending bluegrass acts and musicians to prospective listeners. He often related hilariously funny fishing and shooting stories stemming from his vast sporting experience.
Bill’s impact on North End and the LVTL will forever be remembered. The League would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Diane, Tyler, members of the Arner family, the members of North End Rod and Gun Club and the LVTL family who knew him and treasured his friendship.