McKechnie, William 'Bill/Bud'

William “Bill/Bud” Dean McKechnie, 81, of Atkins, passed to God's hands peacefully Sunday, July 24, 2011, with his loving family at his side. His passing followed a spirited and valiant battle over the past few years. Celebration of Life services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 28, and visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, both at Trinity Lutheran Church, Walford, with Pastor David Mosher presiding. A short Masonic service will follow the visitation.

Survivors include Betty, his wife of 58 years; five children, David, Janice (Mark) Lux, Douglas, Sheri (Kevin) Kuester and Lori (Jay) Paulsen; five grandchildren, Nathan and Hannah Pickart and Ted, Holly and Eli Paulsen; sister, Joanne (Ervin) Oftedahl; and brother, Richard (Pauline) McKechnie.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Margaret (Hansen) McKechnie.

William was born Sept. 11, 1929, in rural Fairfax, where he attended rural country school and then graduated from Atkins High School in 1946. After farming for five years, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country as staff sergeant in South Korea during the Korean War. Upon returning from service, he married Betty Fahnle on April 8, 1953, and together they started their lifelong farming operation and raised their family in the Norway/Atkins area. Bill was a dairy farmer for several years and then continued as a grain and livestock farmer where he won several local and regional corn and soybean contests. He never really retired from farming but did hand over the day-to-day operations to his oldest son and now a grandson is involved. Bill was a proud farmer, lover of the land and caretaker of God's creation and was assured the farm would be well taken care of. One of his prized projects was the pond he installed in the early 90s where year after year he would continue to update and upgrade the pond and surrounding area so family and friends would have a beautiful place to enjoy.

Bill was a part time mechanic who took pride in maintaining his large inventory of farm and shop equipment, taking the time to do it right and then impressing upon his children the value and efficiency of these efforts. He loved spending time with the grandkids, teaching and having fun at the same time. He and Betty tremendously enjoyed attending the countless games and activities the grandkids were involved in.

Bill was most passionate about church, family, friends, farming, the community and being a war veteran. His life revolved around those things and we are glad he was able to touch so many people.

Bill was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Norway and Walford, Iowa, where he served in many capacities and was instrumental in construction of the new church facility completed in 2004. He was a member of the St. Clair #164 Masonic Lodge for 53 years, Norway, Iowa, American Legion Post 234, Farm Bureau, Benton County ASCS committee, Lenox Insurance board of directors, Keystone Turners and Pheasants Forever. Bill and Betty were active participants in the Wheel n' Dealers Square Dance Club, and card club where they made many cherished and lasting friendships. Bill enjoyed making the rounds to the local feed stores, elevators and convenience stores and partaking in the conversations with the other local “experts.”

Bill's family would like extend a special thanks and appreciation to the 3rd floor Hallmar staff, Mercy Hospital, Dr. Voigts and Jody, NP.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Walford, or a charity of choice.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to William's family on the webpage, under Obituaries.