William “Bill” John Kristan II

William “Bill” John Kristan II

Marion

William “Bill” John Kristan II, 76, passed away peacefully at The Villages in Marion, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Sunday, April 30, from 10 a.m. until service time at noon, with the certified celebrant Randy Walton officiating. A livestream of the service will be offered on the Cedar Memorial website under the obituary for Bill under the video tab, starting at noon, Sunday, April 30. Interment to follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Memorial Lawn.

Bill was born on July 5, 1946, the son of the late William and Marcella (Pechar) Kristan in Cedar Rapids. He grew up in Lisbon, Iowa, and attended K-12 where he lettered in wrestling. After graduation he joined the military. He originally signed with the U.S. Navy, “to see the world” but ended up transferring to the Marines as a Corpsman for his military career. He received his training and was stationed at Balboa Hospital, and then Camp Pendelton at Oceanside, Calif. He served in Vietnam. After his military career was over, he went to PA School at Kirkwood, worked at Farmstead, and in his later years was a caregiver for his elderly family members.

He is survived by his daughters, Kari Kristan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Taryn (Ryan) Davis, of Mukwonago, Wis.; his grandchildren, Grant and Bailey Davis, of Mukwonago, Wis.; his ex-wife, Vicki Kristan; numerous family and friends that I’m sure have a great story to tell about him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all his grandparents; and a sister, Kathi Fillmore.

He enjoyed fishing, cooking, traveling, old Western shows and tinkering on all things. He was known to McGyvering anything that he could. He enjoyed making up stories, mostly about fish. Bill never met a stranger that he wouldn’t have given the shirt off his back. Bill would not want us to be sad for him, rather be happy for him being pain free and for him being with family and friends that have passed. Think of your greatest Bill story, I am sure you are smiling.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to name to the Smile Train and or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.