William W. "Bill" Stoddard, son of William A. and Bernice Stoddard, was born on February 11, 1923. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2008, in his home in Maryville, MO.

A former life-long resident of the Shenandoah, Iowa, area, Bill attended Shenandoah High School and was an athletic standout in track, swimming and especially football. After graduation in 1940, he continued farming with his Dad and had a successful hog operation. He entered into military service in 1944 and served with the United States Army, primarily in the Philippines during World War II and served until the conclusion of the war. Upon returning from the War, Bill again worked on the family farm until he joined Meadow Gold Dairies around 1948. In September of 1949, Bill was united in marriage to Wanda Younger of Shenandoah and lovingly accepted her two young children, Lyle and Judy (Farquhar), to become a family. Two years later, to this union, was born Vickie.

They made their home in Shenandoah where Bill became a Supervisor for Meadow Gold, retiring from the dairy business nearly 35 years later. After retirement, Bill worked part-time for George Jay Drug Company delivering medicines, cheer and often a helping hand to many, many residents of the Shenandoah area. He also took time to drive patients to Doctor and hospital appointments in the Omaha area. It was widely known that if you needed a little help, Bill and Wanda were there for you.

Bill had a passion for bowling and golf. Bill was an active member of American Legion Post 88 of Shenandoah where he was a Life Member and past commander of the post, along with being active with the color guard. More recently, Bill delighted in "farming" a garden of tomatoes and cucumbers, striving to grow the "biggest and the best" of both. But he seldom ate them himself, preferring to give them away to the dozens of appreciative friends and relatives that had come to expect his heart-felt generosity. And Wanda would make the BEST sweet pickles, which were also given away. Nothing made them happier than to make OTHERS happy.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Wanda; brother, Jerry Stoddard; sister, Virginia (Lagerquist) and his parents, William and Bernice. Survivors include his children, Lyle Farquhar and wife, Pat, of Platte City, MO.; Judy Reitz and husband, Larry, of Independence, MO.; Vickie Geist and husband, Rob, of Maryville, MO.; six grandchildren, Lea Ann Pasquale (Farquhar) of Olathe, KS.; Scott Farquhar and wife, Kati, of Folsom, CA.; Roland Reitz and wife, Pattie, of Grand Forks, ND.; Crystal Carter and husband, David, of Independence, MO.; Angie Gaebler and husband, Brad, of Kansas City, MO.; Rob Geist III and wife, Johna, of Lee's Summit, MO.; seven great grandchildren; nieces Karen Imm and husband, Paul, of Minnesota and Pat Lagerquist of Minnesota. There are also several great-nieces and nephews and many other relatives and countless friends who honor his memory.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 13, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Roland Reitz. Vickie Geist shared memories of her Dad. Organist was Margaret Woods. Vocalist was Rebecca Kline, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". The congregation sang "Amazing Grace" and special music was the "Missouri Waltz". Attending the memory register was Cleta Fuhr. Caring for the flowers were Lucille Mathis and Mary Alice Johnson. Casket bearers were Rob Geist, III, Scott Farquhar, Brad Gaebler, Adam Lagerquist, Kyle Younger and Chris Younger. Honorary casket bearers were Joe Dinville, Gerald Hickey, Jimmy John Scott, Jack Smith, Harry Pontious, Howard Johnson and Don Peterson. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Memorials in Bill's name are being directed to the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.