William ‘Bill’ Wihlm, 79, of Greene, passed away at his home Friday, April 26, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Greene, with burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Greene. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Woodley Funeral Home, 519 N. 1st St., Greene, with a Rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 7:00 p.m.
Bill was born in Rockwell, Iowa May 9, 1944, to Alphonse and Rose (Esser) Wihlm, the oldest of 11 children. He attended Roseville Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Rockford High School. He worked for Vala’s Lumber Yard in Roseville for a time after high school and then farmed with his father and brother, Larry. During this time he also raised hogs and cattle. Later with his father and brothers, Larry and Dick they started 4W LLC and operated hog confinements in the Greene and Roseville areas. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, he enjoyed working at the Friday night fish fries; he served on the St. Mary Catholic Church Board; and was a commissioner for the Floyd County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Bill was united in marriage to Shelby Steere at St. Mary Church, Greene July 11, 1964. This union lasted for nearly 60 years, and they were blessed with 3 children.
Bill enjoyed bowling every Wednesday night in Greene and also couples league with Shelby on Sunday evenings in Charles City. His favorite hobby was fishing with his family on vacations in Minnesota and several fishing trips with friends. Bill enjoyed playing cards and cribbage; watching all Iowa and Iowa State sports; and especially going to his grandchildren’s sporting events. He rarely missed the local farmer coffee and gossip hour and after he was no longer able to attend, he depended on his brother, Larry, to keep him updated on local events. One of his favorite things to do was help serve lunches at Fezz’s for his good friends Jim and Shirley Fesenmeyer.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Shelby; daughter Ann (Brian) Voelker, Charles City; Brian Wihlm, Osage; Matthew (Brent) Wihlm, Ankeny; grandchildren: Ryan Voelker; Whittney (Brandon) Franke; Seth (Alex) Nordmeyer; Ethan (Keegan) Voelker; Jacob Wihlm: Nathan (finance’ Kelsi) Wihlm; 5 great-grandchildren: Zuri; Oaklynn; Landry; Ripp; Coleman; brothers and sisters: Dan Wihlm; Larry (Jane) Wihlm; Kathy Brunsma; David (Linda) Wihlm; Connie (Bruce) Helgeson; Barb (Bob) Raisty; Judy (David) True; Mike Wihlm; Uncles Bob Wihlm; Wayne Larson; Clarence Kirchhoff; many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Alphonse and Rose Wihlm; brother Dick Wihlm; sister-in-law Micki Wihlm; sister Rosie Trees; brother-in-law Bryan Trees; sister-in-law Karen Wihlm.
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