William H. Campbell, age 100, of Livingston passed away on Tuesday morning Jan. 29, 2013 at Bloomfield Manor in rural Dodgeville. William was born on March 14, 1912 in Lima Township, Grant Co., WI the son of William and Mabel (Bidgood) Campbell. He married Lois Medley on July 22, 1933 in Galena, IL.
After returning from a short course at UW-Madison, Bill made cheese from 1933-1938. He then was engaged in farming with his father-in-law in Lima Township from 1938-1943 before farming outside of Livingston from 1943-1950. In 1950, Bill purchased a farm in the Mifflin area where he continued to farm until moving back to Livingston in 1981. Bill was a member of the Livingston United Methodist Church, where he held several offices through the years, the Masonic Lodge, and was a past member of the Mifflin Township Board. Bill had been residing at Bloomfield Manor since 2005 where he was appropriately called “Papa” by the residence and staff. He enjoyed his morning coffee and conversation at Alley Oops, horse racing, and watching his grandchildren in their sporting events and activities. Family always came first for Bill and he was very proud to have been a part of five generations of Campbell’s four different times. Bill will always be remembered for his passion for living, love of farming, and devotion to family.
William is survived by his three children; Janice (Joe) Bolan of Columbus, WI, Richard Sr. (Carol) Campbell of Cobb, WI, and Jerry (Earlene) Campbell of Princeton, IL, 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois on July 6, 2002, daughter Joyce Campbell, and brother Ben Campbell.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday Feb. 2, 2013 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort with burial to follow in the Lima Union Cemetery, Lima Township, Grant Co., WI. Pastor John Oliver of the Livingston United Methodist Church will be officiating. Friends may call from 4-8:00 P.M. on Friday evening Feb. 1, 2013 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort where a Masonic Service will be held at 8:00 P.M. Friends may also call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Memorial Fund is being established in loving memory of William H. Campbell. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Bloomfield Manor for the care and compassion given to Bill.