"I babysat for Bill when he was brand new and living a block away from our house on 14th Street in Cedar Falls. We had a loving relationship which blossomed into many years involving his siblings and my sister who took over babysitting duties. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, and grateful to get more details when I met a gentleman who used to work at Latta's with Bill's father. I look forward to renewing acquaintance with Bill's mother now that I am again living in Cedar Falls. May God's blessing be upon Bill and his family near and far. Jenifer Schlicher Breyer"
In loving memory of
William Edward Plantan
February 2, 1956 - April 22, 2023
William "Bill" Edward Plantan Jr born February 2nd, 1956 in Hampton, Iowa passed away peacefully in the company of his family in their Rochester, MN home on Saturday April 22nd, 2023. Bill was 67 years old.
Bill was raised in Cedar Falls, IA and graduated from University of Northern Iowa. While in school he met Dianna Delafield and they were married on June 13, 1980, in Cedar Falls. Together they moved to Rochester, MN and started their family. Bill sold school supplies in the upper Midwest until pursing his passion of the outdoors and started River Ridge Custom Canoe. After 17 years of building canoes, Bill retired and became a very happy Target employee.
Bill had many loves, some of which were fishing, music, schnauzers, food, family and most importantly Jesus Christ. He was a lover of all sports, whether it was the professional teams of Minnesota or the local high school teams, Bill knew how the seasons were going. Most of all, Bill loved to spend time with family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife Dianna, daughter Sarah Blackburn (Charlie), sons Tyler Plantan, Adam Plantan and Sam (fiancé Mare Sloan) Plantan; grandchildren Ben and Norah Blackburn; Mother Joanne (Lane) Reeves, siblings Jim (Jo) Plantan, Dave (Chris) Plantan, Nancy (Scott) Graen, Jayne (Dave) Anderson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father William Edward Plantan Sr; and his grandparents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30PM on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Berean Community Church, 3157 Kenosha Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will start at 2:00 at the church. To watch the livestream of the service please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@bereancommunitychurch-roch4264/streams
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Plantan family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dear Dianna and family. This is John Weiss of the Post-Bulletin. I was turkey hunting and happened to look at Facebook where I was stunned to learn of Bill's death. Please accept my deepest condolences. I remember well the times we were on the water together, even the time when another angler and I tipped a canoe in the cold Zumbro River. Bill was there to help. In fact, he was always there when I needed information about fishing the Zumbro etc. When I think about smallmouth fishing on the Zumbro, I will always think of Bill. Again, my sincerest sympathy and regrets that due to my wife's respiratory troubles, we aren't going out much in crowds, or I would have attended the remembrance."
"We are very sad for your loss. We were introduced to Bill through our daughter in law Kathryn Graen (Christopher) Byrd at a family gathering. Reading his obituary we were reminded of the awesome person we met years earlier! A true light in our world! May he rest in peace and the loving arms of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Warm regards, Tammy & Reggie Byrd Cedar Falls IA"
"Bill was the definition of one being true to oneself. I never recall him not looking you in the eye and being genuine when asking how you were doing and how our Family was when we encountered each other in Cedar Falls. Always upbeat and willing to laugh to make you feel better about life. I'm at peace knowing his is too. "
"Dianna and family, I was so sad to hear about the loss of Bill. I met Bill in 1974 at Iowa State and have some great memories from his two years before he transferred to UNI. I was blessed to have known Bill and be a fraternity brother of his for life. I can still hear his stories! He was special and loved life. One of the last times I saw Bill was when he delivered one of his custom canoes to Colorado. I could tell fishing was one of his passions but more importantly I could tell he loved his family by the stories he told. My wife, Jane, also got to know Bill in college and we both send out our prayers and condolences. Bill, rest in peace with the Lord, my brother. Dan Nemmers, Denver, CO"
"I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill and I were part of a great pledge class of Pikes at ISU, the memories I have about that time in my life still bring smiles and laughter in my heart. We will all miss him dearly, although we have not been close in many years. Very sad. Michael Hattery"
"I met Bill in the mid 80?s when he was selling school supplies. Throughout the following years I would run into him at various places around Rochester and we always had a pleasant visit. We would talk about the schools he visited and his passion for the outdoors. I was pleasantly surprised to find him working at Target about two years ago and even with our masks on we enjoyed chatting. Bill always was positive and he made others feel valued! Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace."
"Dianna and family. Germaine and I were saddened to see that Bill has passed away. During the several years that we played softball and socialized together in the 1980's Bill was always a shining light on the team and absolutely one of the most fun and enjoyable people we have ever met. We used to bump into Bill on occasions at high school sporting events and as formerly he was always so fun to talk to. Please accept our condolences for Bill's passing. Gary and Germaine Neumann"
"I have fond memories of Bill's voice and his musical talent, especially with the guitar. The man sang with a heart that was passionate for Jesus. The heavenly choir has another beautiful voice. "By death you conquered death. You rescued us from the fear of death, and from its power. You have made all things well, O Christ!""