William "Bill" Tomlinson

William Lee (Bill) Tomlinson, a lifelong resident of Marshall County, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown, Iowa, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.

Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on August 23, 1935, to William Russell Tomlinson and Mildred Olive (Wagoner) Tomlinson. He graduated from LaMoille High School in 1954. In March 1958, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and was later stationed at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. He served as a Private First Class and continued his military service as a reservist in the 21st Chemical Corps until 1962. While stationed in Alabama, Bill met Sue Stanfield of Anniston, and the two were married in Talladega on July 13, 1959. Together they raised three children, Bill, Ron, and Deann.

Bill and Sue shared 49 years of marriage before her passing. On August 13, 2011, he married Dorthy Billman, a longtime neighbor and friend. Their union brought joy and companionship in his later years.

Bill was raised in Marietta Township, where he spent his life farming. He was deeply rooted in his community. He served on the West Marshall School Board from 1997 to 2007, was a dedicated 4-H leader, and actively participated in the Iowa Farm Bureau, serving on the membership committee and traveling to Washington, D.C.

A man of faith, he was a lifelong member of Hartland Friends Church on Rural Route 3 and then attended the LaMoille church. His devotion to his faith, family, and neighbors defined a life of integrity and service.

Bill was known for his passion for collecting—especially toy tractors, Depression glass, and NASCAR memorabilia. He had a keen eye for treasures and delighted in sharing stories and laughter with those around him. He loved his cows and when it came time for them to go to town, he didn’t drive them—he called them by name, and they came. He traveled hundreds of miles between the farm and across the river to Timmons Grove over the years to release the raccoons, opossums, and other varmint he would catch and set free in the park.

He is survived by his wife, Dorthy Tomlinson; his children: Bill Tomlinson (Kristi) of Ankeny, IA, Ron Tomlinson (Elizabeth) of Cedartown, GA, and Deann Tomlinson (Rich Borgos) of Marshalltown, IA; six grandchildren: Lindsey Good (Adam) of Ames, IA, Katie Jacobs (Jonathan) of Armonk, NY, Mark Tomlinson (Nina) of Kent, WA, Renae Hill (Andrew) of Missoula, MT, Isaiah Borgos, and Bella Borgos of Marshalltown, IA; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Linda Casey (Robert) of Denver, CO, and Connie Goodman (Richard) of State Center, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Russell and Mildred Tomlinson; his first wife, Elva Sue Tomlinson; and his sister, Karen Johnson of Denver, CO.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., with a light lunch immediately after. Burial will be at the Hartland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Iowa River Hospice House or the Hartland Cemetery Fund.