Bill Oesterle, the co-founder and former CEO of Angie’s List, died on May 10, 2023, at the age of 57. He was a prominent figure in Indiana’s business and political circles, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, his advocacy for social causes, and his love for his home state. His cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
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What is ALS and How Does It Affect the Body?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare and incurable condition that causes the death of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. As the motor neurons degenerate, the muscles gradually weaken and waste away, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure. According to Inside Indiana Business, Oesterle died at home early Wednesday from complications of ALS.
The symptoms of ALS vary from person to person, but they usually start with muscle twitching, cramping, stiffness, or weakness in one or more limbs. The disease then spreads to other parts of the body, affecting speech, swallowing, breathing, and cognition. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis, but some people may live longer or shorter depending on various factors.
There is no known cause or cure for ALS, but some treatments can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients. These include medications, such as riluzole and edaravone, that can reduce nerve damage; physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nutritional support that can help maintain muscle function and mobility; and assistive devices, such as braces, wheelchairs, ventilators, and communication aids that can help patients cope with their disabilities.
How Did Bill Oesterle Live with ALS?
Bill Oesterle was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, after he experienced the first symptoms of the disease. He decided to share his diagnosis publicly in 2020, in an interview with IndyStar. He said he wanted to raise awareness about the disease and inspire others to live fully despite their challenges.
Oesterle did not let ALS stop him from pursuing his passions and goals. He continued to work on his latest venture, TMap (now MakeMyMove), a platform that connects remote workers with communities that offer incentives for relocation. He also remained active in civic affairs, supporting causes such as education reform, LGBTQ rights, and environmental protection. He was a vocal critic of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which he feared would allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. He left Angie’s List in 2015 to continue the fight and improve Indiana’s attitudes towards gay rights.
Oesterle also maintained a positive outlook on life and death. He told IndyStar that he considered his diagnosis as “a weird gift” that gave him a chance to appreciate his family, friends, and colleagues more. He said he was grateful for his life and legacy, and he hoped to leave a lasting impact on Indiana.
“I love where I live, and I love the people I live with,” Oesterle said. “The people in this building are precious to me. This state is precious to me.”
How Did Bill Oesterle’s Death Affect His Loved Ones and Admirers?
Bill Oesterle’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his loved ones and admirers. He is survived by his wife Kristi, as well as six children in their blended family.
Many prominent figures in Indiana’s business and political spheres expressed their condolences and admiration for Oesterle. Former Purdue President Mitch Daniels, who was a close friend and colleague of Oesterle, said he was “at a loss for words” trying to imagine a world without him. He praised Oesterle as “a job creator, a community builder, a lifelong advocate for Indiana and a person with an enormous heart for others.”
Current Purdue President Mung Chiang also mourned Oesterle’s death and lauded his contributions to the university and the state. He said Oesterle “fought for growth in Indiana and innovation at Purdue throughout the decades” and “fought the incredibly courageous final battle with the humility and conviction that is found in the very best Boilermakers.”
Governor Eric Holcomb called Oesterle “a rare individual who could focus beyond the horizon”. He said Oesterle’s “passion for improvement and inclusion helped spark transformational growth and development over decades” and that he would “inspire others to do so in decades to come.”
Angie Hicks, the co-founder of Angie’s List with Oesterle, said she was “heartbroken” by his passing. She said Oesterle was “a visionary leader, a mentor, and a friend” who “cared deeply about people and making the world a better place.”
Kelsey Taylor, who worked with Oesterle at Angie’s List as the wellness director, said Oesterle was “a phenomenal human being” who “defied the intimidating stereotypes that surround the CEO role”. She said Oesterle was “kind, generous, humble, and compassionate” and that he “made everyone feel valued and important.”
Bill Oesterle’s cause of death may have taken away his physical presence, but his spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and admired him. He was a visionary leader who made a difference in Indiana and beyond. He was a fighter who faced ALS with courage and grace. He was a Boilermaker for life.
