William Wilson

William Bill Wilson, 72, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 2 following a sudden heart attack at Central Iowa Healthcare. An avid tennis player with a healthy lifestyle, Bill was an unlikely candidate for heart failure, serving as an important reminder to never ignore symptoms, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30a.m. Friday, October 7 at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Herschberger officiating. Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #839 and by American Legion Post #46 in the Marshalltown area. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6 from 5:00-7:00p.m. at the church, and will close with a prayer service. Memorials may be directed to the church and condolences offered at www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bill and his family and can be reached at (641) 844-1234. Bill was one of six children born to Clint and Maxine (Thomas) Wilson in Marshalltown on January 12, 1944. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1962 before attending Iowa State University where he received a degree in Industrial Engineering, and later an MBA from Drake University. Bill served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. On July 2, 1966, he married the love of his life, Lana Stubbs, in Marshalltown at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To this union, four children were born: Todd, Angie, Julie and Mark. After returning from military service, Bill worked in Maytags Engineering Dept., at Mid-Equipment in Grundy Center, and as an engineer at Marshalltown Instruments in preparation for his life long goal of owning a business with the purchase of Hollingsworth Mfg. in 1978. He spent over 30 years producing machined parts for companies all over the world, eventually handing over operations to his son Todd, but not really ever retiring. Bills hobbies included sailing, tennis, following the Cyclones, and amateur radio. In July 1956 at the age of 12, he proudly earned his operators license. Many memories were made operating field days with his brothers out at the farm. Other precious memories included time spent with family and friends at Clear Lake, where he sailed in countless regattas and loved celebrating the 4th of July. In retirement, Bill and Lana enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Ariz. where they played tennis and made many friends. A selfless human being, Bill loved his children and was always there to offer his wisdom and advice. Though not always received, one of the greatest words of wisdom he gave his daughter Julie was, the first one to get mad loses and you can attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Bill always looked forward to phone calls from his son Mark, where they exchanged ideas about work and life. He was truly a rock, as he was steady and dependable, and always took care of his family. Left to cherish his memory, Bill is survived by his loving wife Lana and children Todd (Angie) of Bondurant; Julie Wilson of Austin; Texas; Mark Wilson of Houston, Texas; his precious grandchildren Reagan and Will; siblings Karen (Jim) Nelson of Hemet, Calif.; Cindy (Dan) Norell of Silver Springs, Md.; Jim (Linda) Wilson of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Dan Wilson of Sarasota, Fla.; sister-in-law Karen Dougherty and brother-in-law Dan Stubbs (Shari Upah) of Marshalltown, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In death, Bill rejoined his parents; daughter Angie and grandson Michael; his brother Bob and wife Joni; brother-in-law Bill Dougherty; and niece Kristin, as well as his in-laws Chet and Doris Stubbs.