"Recalling fond memories of the Summer of 1948, when a very young Bill and Sister Betty did their very best to make a visit from two Jacksonville, Florida city boy cousins memorable. They were VERY successful with activities that included a hike through a corn field at least twice as tall as any of us looking for Daddy Ross - and Bill went straight to him. Nothing to worry about? What a memorable adventure. Many thanks for the special memories, Bill. You are missed. - Dave Runton, Metro Atlanta, GA"
In loving memory of
William (Bill) Stilson
March 3, 1941 - July 18, 2020
William Ross Stilson 79 of Walcott, Iowa, passed away July 18, 2020.
William (Bill) was born March 3, 1941, to Ross and Genetta Stilson. He lived and worked in Hampton for many years. He married Kay Izer on August 18, 1963. They had two children, Michael Ross and Craig William. In August of 1989, Bill moved to Toledo, Ohio, to work road construction for E. S. Wagner. He suffered a major stroke on May 1, 1996, and was forced to retire early, but that did not stop him. He volunteered for the St. Charles Rehab Center and Hospital for 10 years. He also loved helping Jim and Janet Fox every spring and fall getting their fields ready for crops.
In 2000, Bill and Kay started going to Donna, Texas, for the winter. They bought a trailer in Magnolia Park and looked forward to going there every winter. To keep busy, Bill bought Pecans. He cracked and picked them out and sold them to the ladies in the park. He soon became known as "Pecan Bill".
They enjoyed 20 wonderful winters in Magnolia Park. There was no such thing as a stranger to Bill. He really loved meeting and visiting with people. He enjoyed watching his two sons and four grandsons wrestle in high school and college. He was a big Iowa fan.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard, a sister Betty and two infant siblings.
Bill is survived by his wife Kay, two sons Michael of Colorado, Craig of Eldridge, six grandchildren Chelsea (Brett) Medernach of Farmington, Minnesota, Collin Stilson of Farmington, Minnesota, Cade Stilson of Reno, Nevada, Ethan Grant and Samantha Stilson of Eldridge, Iowa, and one great granddaughter Paisley Medernach of Farmington, Minnesota.
With the Coronavirus on the rise, the family fully understands if you choose not to attend. If you do attend, please wear a mask.
Tributes
"So sorry for your loss. I'm glad I got the chance to meet Bill he was an awesome guy!"
"You will be missed! Love, Donn and you?re best friend Peg"
" On behalf of the whole GE Johnson Construction Family, our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his entire family at this time."
"I will always get a giggle when I think of pecan bill. He always would say Hey D a r l e n e. When he wanted to have conversation he would say D a r l e n e then say what he had to say. It was so cute. It is so nice when a person uses your name or an honor. "
"A one of a kind great guy. If there could be more Bills in the world, it?d be a better place. My condolences to the family. Maureen Allan"