Bill R. Sheppard

Bill Sheppard, 84, of Ft. Madison passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 5:20 AM at his home with his family at his side. Bill was born on February 7, 1937 in Ft. Madison to Joe and Dorothy (Alvis) Sheppard. Sixty-three years ago on November 23, 1957 he married Joan Schneider in Ft. Madison. Bill was a life-long farmer. He recently said, “I couldn’t imagine a better life.” He loved growing up in the country and spending time outdoors. One of Bill’s favorite childhood memories was ice-skating with his lifelong friend, Raymond. “As soon as the ice formed, we’d be exploring the sloughs along the Mississippi.” After retirement, Bill and Joan enjoyed traveling with their friends in their fifth-wheel camper. They traveled most of the country including Alaska. Later in life Bill became an avid rock collector. His favorite activity was traveling the countryside in his mule looking for treasures with a trusty companion. Bill was a member of the Holy Family Parish, the Lee County Farm Bureau, and a former Fort Madison School Board member. Survivors include two sons, Michael Sheppard (Ruth) of Donnellson; Brian Sheppard of Tallahassee, FL; two daughters, Sandy Johnston (Rick) of Montrose, and Amy Sheppard (Chris Dorsi) of Bozeman, MT; grandson Clayton Greenwald (Alyssa) of Fort Madison; great grandchildren Collin and Maisie Greenwald and Lily Buckner of Fort Madison; multiple step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; and his best friend since the sandbox, Raymond Hoenig. Per his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will have a celebration of Life at a later date and burial will take place in Montrose Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com