William E. "Bill" Foreman

William E. “Bill” Foreman, 73, formerly of Humboldt, passed away at his home in Merrill, Iowa, unexpectedly on Thursday morning, March 14, 2024.

Bill was born November 22, 1950 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of John G. and Margaret (Hardie) Foreman. He grew up in Livermore and graduated from Twin Rivers High School in 1969, where he participated in football, basketball, track, glee club and mixed chorus. While growing up he attended church with his mom and participated in the church choir.

Upon his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from December 22, 1969 until December 6 of 1973. During his service he bravely fought in the Vietnam War conflict, not only serving in the water but also in boots on the ground. A story he would tell about his time in the service was that while on hangar watch in Monterey, he was assaulted by an unauthorized individual in one of the base's shops. He then aided in obtaining an accurate description of the individual who was later apprehended. For this act he was awarded a Meritorious Mast, which is rarely given. Bill was later discharged from his service with honors.

Upon his discharge he returned to the Humboldt/Dakota City area where he worked for Chantland Manufacturing and then the Steam Power Plant in Fort Dodge before becoming a lineman for Corn Belt Power Cooperative where he worked from 1977 until his retirement in 2013. 

Bill was united in marriage in 1978 to Julie Merry (Johnson). He lovingly embraced and raised Julie’s four children as if they were his own. He would talk about how it was not easy raising someone else’s children but he did the best he could and that he would do it all over again because a child needs a father figure in their life to guide them into adulthood. From this union a son and daughter were added to the family. 

Bill enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and time on the road riding his Harley Davidson. But most importantly he enjoyed spending time talking, laughing and telling stories with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and close friends. He was a loving and kind man of integrity. He had a huge heart full of compassion and a listening ear for all. He often could see things in people that others could not which gave him great insights into their lives. Among so many other things, he will be remembered for his big hugs, his infectious laugh and his amazing knowledge. 

After a 5 month hospital stay two and a half years ago, Bill made his home in Merrill to be cared for by his son Wayne and Wayne’s wife Angel while tending to some health issues.

Bill is survived by his children; Shannon Merry of Mason City, Wayne (Angel) Merry of Merrill, Heather Schaefer of Billings, Montana, Kenlee (Jessica) Merry of Garner, B.G. (Jennifer) Foreman and Joanna Foreman both of Humboldt, his grandchildren; Harley, Courtis (Meg), Terrence (Jo), Samantha, Benjamin, Logan, Brianne, Collin, Jarin, Joshlyn, David, Briar, Alexa, Draiven, Kenneth, Kenzi & Quinli, and 3 great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Thomas, sisters Dorothy & Virginia and his grandson Wyatt.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 22nd and visitation will be Thursday, March 21st from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. both at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt. Burial with military rites by the Sathers-Odgaard VFW & American Legion will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Dodge.   www.masonlindhart.com