William Hutcheson

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 William (Bill) Herman Hutcheson was born on February 18, 1936, in Woodbine, Iowa to Fay Q. and Pearle Dora (Sindt) Hutcheson. He grew up east of Woodbine on the family farm and attended country school until the 8th grade. Bill attended Woodbine High School where he was active in band and vocal music. He graduated in 1953 as Class President. After high school, Bill worked at a local gas station until he was offered a job to do office work at the Harrison County Rural Electric Co-operative (Rec) and in 1979 was promoted to the job of General Manager. He loved his job and worked for the REC for 47 years. Bill also enjoyed working for the co-op and through this job, he was able to serve the farmers of a 5 county region as well as serving on many national boards and committees. After he retired, he read meters for the REC and was elected to the board of directors. Bill acquired his real estate license and managed the post office property and was the farm manager for the Hutcheson Century Family farm. In 1955, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Jean, daughter of Lawrence and Gertrude Daugherty. In 1957, they welcomed their daughter Lori Jean and in 1961, a son Steven William was born. 

 Bill loved serving the church and community, serving in almost every capacity. He was a charter member to the rescue unit, served on every committee in the Woodbine United Methodist Church, singing in the church choir, playing in the church band and singing duets. He also served on the Woodbine School Board, Woodbine City Council, Woodbine Betterment, Woodbine Main Street, Federated National Insurance Corp. Board of Directors, Harrison County Hospital Board, Harrison County Board of Health and Harrison County Development, as well as serving as Mayor of Woodbine for nearly 20 years. Bill was a founding member of the Noteables. He was always ready to volunteer to help when help was needed. Bill was often seen walking to and from work each day. He loved his community and was proud to serve it. Bill and Phyllis were happily married for 27 years and hosted 2 exchange students, Gui Braga and Cedonia Dere during that time. In December 1983 after an unexpected illness due to cancer, his wife Phyllis passed away suddenly. In 1984, Bill went on a rescue call that changed his life forever. That day, he met a young mother with 4 children who had just become a widow. Something in his heart (he always said it was God) called him to befriend this young woman, Diana McCurley. They became friends through sharing grief over their recent losses. In January 1985, they decided to get married, and Bill became an instant father to Joy Noel, Michelle, Daleanne and Benjamin. They have shared 40 wonderful years together as a large loving family. Bill had the heart of a child when it came to having fun with his family and family gatherings were always a highlight of their lives. They enjoyed so many activities together such as camping, hunting with his dog Maggie, fishing, music and just having fun. Bill and Diana hosted 3 more exchange students through the years. Ilaria Ponchio of Italy, Laura Toivonen of Finland and Christina Labrie of Quebec. Bill loved God, family, community, the Hawkeyes, the Packers, peanut butter on pancakes and LaCasa's anchovy pizza. What he cherished most in life was his family, kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill had the best heart and was always concerned about the greater good. He clearly understood the secret to a good life. 

 Bill passed from this earth into the waiting arms of his Lord on February 3, 2025, with his family by his side at Azria Rose Vista nursing home, after a short illness, at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 15 days.

 Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Phyllis; and son-in-law, Kevin Gochenour. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Diana; children, Lori (Mike) Woody of Logan, Steven (Mary) Hutcheson of Gladstone, MO, Joy Noel (Michael) Montag of Omaha, Michelle (Michael) Raine of Logan, Daleanne (Joshua) Hinze of Bonner's Ferry, ID and Benjamin (Denise) McCurley of Woodbine; special AFS daughter, Laura Abrams of Finland; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; siblings, Norman (Joan) Hutcheson of Carroll. Eldon (Ann) Hutcheson of Boone and Bethene (Gary) Kruse of Blair; and many other close relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Memorials may be given to the Woodbine United Methodist Church or the Woodbine Fire and Rescue.