William "Bill" Paul Schelling

 William Paul “Bill” Schelling age 79, died unexpectedly at his home in Wapello, IA on Tuesday, August 27,2024.

 Graveside Services with military rites will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:30 am at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley, IA. After the graveside service, a time of fellowship and lunch with the family will be at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, IA. The Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley is assisting the family. 

 The eldest son of Paul and Gertrude (Rozeboom) Schelling, Bill was born April 3, 1945 at his parent’s farm near Doon, IA. He attended Country School until the family moved to Boyden, IA, he then attended Boyden-Hull School. He then worked for various farmers in the area until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served from September 7, 1965 to July 8, 1967, ending his service with 13 months in Vietnam. Returning, he moved to Wapello, IA doing various jobs until he started his own business ‘Bill’s Backhoe Service’. He did this with great joy, and he was referred to as ‘Backhoe Billy’ or ‘Smiley Bill’. At the age of 66 he retired and sold his business. 

 He was a faithful member of the Apostolic Christian Church near his home, where he regularly attended worship.

 Those who cherish his memory are brothers, Cornelius and Phyllis of Jefferson, IA, Henry and Beverly of Omaha, NE, and Jerry and Melinda of Fremont, NE; sisters, Myrna Schelling and Ray Harry of Mesa, AZ, Helen and Wes Cannegieter of Rock Valley, IA, and Paula and Bert Soldner of Beloit, WI.

 Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Gertrude (mother) Schelling; step-mother, Edna Schelling; sister, Jennie; significant other, Marilyn Alcala; nephews, Clinton, Jeffrey, and Jacob; and niece, Jacqueline.