William "Bill" Dohrmann

William "Bill" Dohrmann

Fayette, IA - William Bernard Dohrmann, age 83, died on February 20, 2025. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Bill is survived by his children Ann Dohrmann (Matthew Maruggi), Jane Dohrmann (Don Anderson), W. Thomas Dohrmann (Nayantara Mukerji), grandchildren Hope Dohrmann Anderson, Benjamin Dohrmann Maruggi, Sofia Dohrmann Maruggi, Ishan Dohrmann, and Ila Dohrmann. Additional surviving family members include sisters-in-law Irene Dohrmann, Linda Ellis (William Ellis) and brother-in-law Albert "Sparky" Duroe (Suzanne Duroe), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Susan Jane Dohrmann, brother Boyd Dohrmann, parents Bernard and Fern Dohrmann, and parents-in-law Alvina and Collingwood Duroe.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Franklin County with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins nearby. He graduated from Franklin Consolidated Community School and developed a lifelong interest in basketball, 4-H, and animal science. Bill fondly remembered traveling to Chicago and winning the National Livestock Judging Contest as a teen.

Bill graduated from Iowa State University majoring in Animal Science. He met his wife the first year in college. Bill made lifelong friends in the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity. He was a devoted Cyclones fan. There were many lean years, but he always celebrated each notable victory in football and basketball as, "one of the greatest moments in Cyclone history!"

Following graduation, Bill worked for Hormel in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He steadily worked his way into leadership positions over a fifteen-year period. In 1978, Bill switched careers, moved to Fayette, and became President of the State Bank of Fayette. Bill committed himself to broader community development. He was elected to City Council in 1979 and served as Mayor of Fayette for 24 years from 1989 to 2013. Bill served on many boards in the area, including Big Rock Country Club, the Fayette United Methodist Church, West Union Hospital, and Prairie View Residential Center.

One of Bill's great passions was raising and showing sheep with his beloved brother Boyd as part of the Dohrmann Brothers Hampshire Sheep. For much of their lives, the two brothers showed sheep at State Fairs across the Midwest, as well as nationally. Bill served as President of the National Hampshire Association and was on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board for many years, being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. He actively supported Fayette County 4-H and the County Fair, and contributed financially to improve the concession stand and sheep barn.

After Sue's death, Bill moved to Iowa City in 2019 and quickly immersed himself in a new community at Melrose Meadows. He made close friends and participated in card games, current events club, and water aerobics.

Bill will be remembered for his unconditional support of family, friends, and community–also for valuing service, loyalty, traditions, and for his openness to new experiences. He adored his wife and said that marrying her was the best decision he ever made. He was a very involved father. Ann, Jane, and Tom counted on his presence at every childhood dance recital, sports game, or music concert. As his children grew, they had his support while they pursued academic and career interests in far-flung places such as Nicaragua, Colombia, Costa Rica, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. Last but not least, his five grandchildren grew to adore him and benefited from his freely given love and wisdom. They will greatly miss the frequent phone conversations that always ended with a positive thought and an exhortation to "hang in there."

The family would like to express gratitude to Melrose Meadows, Cottage Grove Place, and Akyrah Whitesell for their exceptional care.

Donations may be made in Bill's honor to the Iowa 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 700, Fayette, IA 52142. Online condolences may be posted at www.white-mthope.com

Visitation will be held at Fayette Methodist Church on Friday, February 28 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The burial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Hampton Cemetery, Hampton, Iowa.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.