Bill Rees

SIGOURNEY – William “Bill” Rees, age 80, of Sigourney, laid down his earthly tools on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born December 28, 1944, at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, Bill was the beloved son of Harry and Mary (Phillips) Rees. He grew up with a love of learning and craftsmanship, first attending Sandridge Country School through seventh grade, and later graduating from Eddyville High School. His passion for education carried him on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from William Penn University and a Master’s Degree from Northeast Missouri State University.

On November 1, 1969, Bill married the love of his life, Linda Axmear, at the Sigourney United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life rooted in kindness, hospitality, generosity, and shared adventure. In their home, strangers became friends and friends became family. It was a place where laughter was often found, stories flowed freely, and the fridge always had a cold ginger ale waiting for anyone who stopped by.

Bill devoted his life to education and mentorship, both in and out of the classroom. He taught Industrial Technology for several years in Sigourney, and also coached wrestling and track, inspiring generations of students through his quiet strength, generous spirit, and enduring belief in the value of hard work. Though the classroom was where his career began, Bill's legacy as a teacher extended far beyond its walls. Whether guiding young hunters in education classes or fixing up a friend’s car in “Willy’s Garage,” he was always ready to lend a hand, a tool, or a wise word.

A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam War. His sense of service continued in civilian life through his active involvement in his community. He was a longtime member of the N.R.A., a 50-year member of Webb Lodge #182, the Scottish Rite, the Aspasia Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Eddyville Museum and Historical Society, the Wapello Chiefs Barbershop Chorus, the Pella Barbershop Choir and the Sigourney American Legion Post #19.

Bill’s passions were many. He loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, skiing in Colorado, and touring on his motorcycle. He enjoyed visiting Tobago and loved sharing stories from his travels and life experiences. His storytelling — always rich with humor and heart — was legendary among those who knew him.

Bill’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He is survived by his children, Dick (Carol) Rees of Palmyra, Missouri, and Stephanie (Rob) Campbell of Oskaloosa; his grandchildren, Shelby Rees, William Campbell, Rees Campbell, and Allison Campbell; his sister, Jane Groet and her friend Jim Phillips of Eddyville; his sister-in-law, Karen Rees; many nieces, nephews, treasured friends, and his faithful Labrador Retriever, Daisy.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the What Cheer Methodist Church, with Pastor Vince Homan officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at Henness Cemetery near Oskaloosa. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney, with a Masonic service at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Eastern Star service.

The Bill and Linda Rees Memorial has been established in honor of their generous spirits, through Bank Iowa in Oskaloosa. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Bill and his family. Tributes may be shared at www.powellfuneralhomes.com, and friends are invited to contribute photos for the tribute video at https://www.tributeslides.com/up/49059274913892 by noon on Saturday.

Bill Rees was a humble man of kind heart, strong spirit, and boundless generosity. His legacy perseveres in the lives he touched and the lessons he taught. He will be dearly missed — and remembered always.