Billy "Bill" Pride

Bill Pride, 85, of Charles City, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on October 29, 2024.
A funeral service for Bill Pride will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church in Charles City with Pastor Adam Whitty officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City and continue one hour prior to the service at Temple Baptist Church on Tuesday.
Born February 22, 1939, to Merle and Raymond Pride, Bill grew up in Petersburg, Indiana, with his nine siblings. From 1957 to 1961, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Waverly, Iowa, he also worked nights at a local filling station, where he became close friends with Eddie Franzen. It was through Eddie that Bill was introduced to the love of his life, Laura Ann. One evening, after attending a Franzen family dinner, Laura bet her brother five dollars that she could get a date with Bill. She won that bet. After their first date, Bill walked her to her door, gave her a goodnight kiss, and smiled, saying, "I hope you get your five bucks!" They were married soon after, on December 18, 1959, and shared a love-filled life raising their two children, Pamela Kay and Douglas Ray.
Bill devoted over 30 years of his career to White Farm, where he worked in the foundry. When the company closed, he quickly took on a role as head custodian for Charles City Schools, where he worked until his retirement. Known for his extraordinary ability to fix nearly anything, he was regarded as a true mechanic and problem-solver.
In his free time, Bill could often be found tinkering in his garage, repairing things for family and friends, and taking on small engine projects. He and Laura nurtured a beautiful garden together and enjoyed many happy days fishing. They cherished time spent at their cabin in Lake City with close friends and family, where some of Bill's fondest memories were made on the water, with fish fries that followed each successful day of fishing.
Above all, Bill loved his children, grandchildren, and the family he held so close to his heart. A devoted family man, he put his whole soul into caring for those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Ann; daughter, Pamela Falde (Dick Falde); daughter-in-law, Robin Pride-Gansen Bob Gansen); grandchildren, Jacob Hall (Chelsea Hall), Leah McLaughlin (Jon McLaughlin), Matt Pride (Liz Kiltz), Eric Pride (Kayla Pride), Abby Pride (Tramane Wilson), Holly Larson (Mitch Larson); and his 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Raymond Pride; son, Douglas Pride; brothers, Ferral Pride, Gerald Pride, Robert Pride, and Gary Pride; and sisters, Vera Leighty and Shirley Nicholson.