"Laura and Family, just read of Bill's death, and express our sincere sympathy. I received my doctorate in 1967 in Ames, and visited with Bill many times then, and later when we visited Ames each year. Bill was such a great guy, and will be missed by many... Gary and Karen Reif"
In loving memory of
William Somers LaGrange
April 23, 1931 - January 22, 2022
William S. LaGrange, age 90, was born in Ames, Iowa, the son of William and Ruth (Somers) LaGrange on April 23, 1931. He died Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Bill graduated AHS and in 1959 obtained his Ph.D from Iowa State University. He was employed as Extension Specialist in Food Science at ISU for 40 years.
Bill's interests were nature, running, tennis, officiating at ISU track meets, traveling and creating works of stained glass.
Survivors include his wife, Laura; daughters Carolyne, Elizabethann, and Molly; step-daughter, Robyn; and grandchildren, Hannah, Hugh, Julian, and Roman; as well as nieces and nephews.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.
Tributes
"Laura and family, we were so sorry to learn of Billl's death....he was a great guy and will be missed....our prayers and thoughts are with you."
"Laura and family, We remember Bill fondly. As he walked the neighborhood often behind one of your dogs, he always had time to share an observation or a rye comment and a smile. He cared about Extension, ISU and making the world a better place. We will miss him. Our hearts go out to Laura and all those who knew him. Wendy Wintersteen and Robert Waggoner"
"Bill was such a good friend. He will be missed. Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Tom Meyer Ames UCC"
"Laura and family, Your husband, father, grandfather is someone who will long be remembered as a gentlemen, fine ISU faculty member, civic servant, friend. Deep sympathy to each of you. May your memories of and with him become treasures. Jeanette LaGrange"
"One of the best people I ever met in my 36 years at Iowa State. Smart. Kind. Respected. Remembered. Loved."
"We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a special fellow and always willing to help with NARFE activities. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Emmett and Mary Stevermer"
"Laura and family, My wife, Deanna, and I are sorry for your loss. Bill and I shared a love of running for several years. I worked a number of years with Bill at the finish line of indoor Iowa State track meets and felt like I got to know him and your family well from his accounts of the family. He loved you all. He was always a breath of fresh air. We will miss him greatly."
"Laura and family, Steve and I are so very sorry to hear of Bill?s passing. We have so many fond memories including a special group ?overnight?. Our condolences and thoughts are with you. Nancy Alt"
"I am sorry for your loss, yet carry many positive memories of working with Bill on the city?s Public Art Commission. He was ever positive and engaging with others, bringing brightness to all of his colleagues. The many public sculptures around Ames are a monument to his service with the Commission. Rest in peace, dear friend. Until we meet again. "
"Laura and family, so sorry for your loss. I pray for you all to find peace. Joyce Hagley (employee at JAX Outdoor Gear)"
"From Ames friends, Rev. Fran Beyea, Dr. Linda Beyea -- Every blessing of Christian comfort and peace to Laura and all the children and grandchildren. Before his tragic illness, Bill was a pleasure to know. His flashing smile and keen ready wit are what we will remember. With you, his family, we give thanks for his life and for his lifetime of contributions to this community."
"Bill was a stand out gentleman and an all around wonderful supporter of the arts in Ames. I truly enjoyed my time working on the Ames Public Art Commission with him an the years following. He always had a warm hug and a smile any time we would meet. Rest in peace dear Bill. -Allison Sheridan"