In Loving Memory
Bill Grange

VISITATION
Sunday, September 9, 2018
4:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Monday, September 10, 2018
10:30 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Tom Summerfield
Zion Lutheran Church
Ruthven, Iowa

INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa

Bill Dean Grange, son of Walt and Elizabeth (Nelson) Grange was born August 5, 1929 on his family's farm in Clay County, Iowa. He began his education in country school and then attended high school at Ruthven Community School. Bill helped his dad on their farm until he entered the service.

Bill was drafted into the United States Army on October 18, 1951 and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Germany and was in the 57th Med Tank Division where he drove tanks throughout his time in the service. Bill was honorably discharged on September 24, 1953.

After returning to Palo Alto County, Bill continued farming. On December 8, 1955 he was united in marriage to Virginia Rustan in Clermont, Iowa. They were blessed with a daughter, Sheila.

Bill and Ginger made their home south of Ruthven where Bill farmed and raised horses. When Bill began farming he farmed with a team of horses and his love and interest in them continued throughout his life. In the late 50s Bill purchased his first registered Belgian draft horse and he raised and showed Belgians for many years. In 1966, Bill attended and completed Farrier School in Macomb, Illinois. Bill became a highly respected judge and judged many shows and State Fairs. He was known for liking a "good footed, nice legged horse!"

Bill had a passion for not only horses but hunting and shooting as well. He taught both Sheila and Tess to shoot and he developed the Grange Gun Club, on their farm, where many individuals came to learn and practice trap shooting. After Bill's health would not allow him to shoot any longer, he continued to go to the range on his lawnmower so that he could watch the youth and assist them in techniques to improve their shooting.

Bill was a member of the Ruthven American Legion Post #33, V.F.W. Post #2295 in Emmetsburg and the Palo Alto Gun Club.

Bill passed away Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Pete and Mary Grange; his father-in-law and mothers-in-law, Joe Rustan , Sally Rustan and Bev Rustan; brothers-in-law, Phil Rustan and Jim Donahue; and nephews, Kevin Grange and Todd Donahue.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger; his daughter, Sheila (Kevin Paul) Grange; granddaughter, Tess Junkans; great granddaughter, Sienna; step grandson, Jesse DeGross, Katie and Henry; brother, Bob (Lois) Grange of Ruthven, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Becky Rustan and Judi Donahue; brother-in-law George (Meredith)Roland; nieces, nephews, and cousins; his right hand man, Bob Rieman; and many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home