In loving memory of

William 'Bill' W Coder
June 4, 1933 - October 9, 2015

DR. WILLIAM 'BILL' CODER
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Dr. William W. Coder, 82, of Muscatine, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Trinity Hospital - Muscatine.

There will be no services. Private burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Muscatine Community College Ag Center Vet Tech Program. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

'Bill' was born on June 4, 1933, in Muscatine, the son of Clinton Keen and Mary Josephine King Coder. He graduated from Muscatine High School, class of 1951.

He joined the US Navy during the Korean War and after serving four years, he returned to Muscatine, attended Muscatine Community College for one year and then went to Iowa State University in Ames and graduated as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in 1961.

For many years he practiced with Dr. John Tillie at the Tillie and Coder Veterinary Hospital. He married Janet Sue Branson in August of 1956, in Muscatine, together they had five children, James, Jeff, Julia, Jean, and John.

He later was united in marriage to Viola Rouse Richardson on February 20, 1976, by the Reverend Robert Karl Miller of the Memorial Christian Church in Rock Island, Illinois.

Bill and Vi bred, trained and showed Hackney ponies throughout the Midwest. Their other hobbies included boating, fishing, camping, dancing, and traveling throughout the United States in their motorhome. They both loved life and enjoyed each other throughout many years together.

After retiring from his Iowa practice in 1995, he realized he had to have the 'hands on' animals so he acquired his Florida license and practiced for 12 more years.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 39 years, Vi Coder of Muscatine; two sons, Jeff and John; one daughter, Jean; four grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen Brawner of Hendersonville, Tennessee; and one brother, Bernie Coder of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James; and one daughter, Julia Atkins.

Tributes

John/sherri wrote on Oct 15, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss Vi. John and I are deeply sorry."

Loretta Smallridge wrote on Oct 14, 2015:

"My heart goes out to Mrs. Vi for her tremendous loss. I worked briefly with Dr. Coder at Saunders Vet Services in FL. There I met a man who became more to me than just a co-worker. He became the grandfather I lost so many years ago. He was a wonderful man to work with & to know. I can't put in words how much his guidance & friendship meant. He as well as Mrs. Vi will always hold a special place in my heart. My thoughts & prayers go out to Mrs. Vi, all his family & friends. He will be deeply missed."

Jane Daufeldt wrote on Oct 13, 2015:

"I loved the view from my parent's home, Harvey and Helen's, house to yours. Each time I came home we watched the ponies in the pasture. The gate at the bottom of the hill was one of dad's destinations. He loved seeing the new babies in the barn. The few days before dad passed away, a red tail hawk sat high in the big tree on your property keeping vigil. So sorry for your loss. "

Glen & Ila Barrington wrote on Oct 13, 2015:

"Dear Vi and all the family..We were so very sorry to read of Bill's passing! How the years fly by and each day is a very thankful one as we arrive at our age &...now with so many happy memories of all the special and Vet'in bonding times & laughter of Bill and Glen...Muscatine Vet's... so many years! Happy years in a profession they were meant for. I'm sure you have had much retirement R& R joy & now even despite health issues with their toll, ..your love and caring was there for Bill. Sorry not to have a personal visit with you,( we leave now for AZ ( 6 Mo.) where our daughter lives) but our hearts our surely with you now and we are blessed with all that has been and send our Hugs and thanks for all the Happy Memories. God's Blessings a'plenty for today and always. Fondly, Ila & Glen "