William M. Ferguson (Bill)
OMAHA – William “Bill” M. Ferguson, 69, of Bennington, NE passed away on October 8, 2019 at the Josie Harper Hospice House with his loving wife by his side. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Roeder Mortuaries (2727 N. 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68164). The funeral will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Roeder Mortuaries (with some time prior to the service to greet the family starting at 12:00 PM). A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 12:30 PM at the Iowa Veterans’ Cemetery near Van Meter, IA (South of Exit 113 on I-80), with a brief reception following the service at the nearby Veterans’ Community Center. Memorials may be made to Josie Harper Hospice House, Living Grace Lutheran Church, or VNA Hospice.
Bill was born in on October 22, 1949 to Bethon and Ruth Ferguson in Oelwein, IA. He lived in Monroe, IA for most of his youth and enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and playing sports. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1967. After completing his Associate’s Degree at Marshalltown Community College, he volunteered to serve in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam during the war from 1969-1971 as a proud member of the First Infantry Division. Shortly after he returned from military service, he met Linda “Lin” Slack. They were married on June 26, 1971. After working at the VA hospital in Des Moines, IA, he and Lin moved to Waterloo, IA in August of 1972 so he could finish his collegiate studies at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). They were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Marta, in 1973. Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from UNI in 1974. After graduation, he worked for Hawkeye Steel for one year, moving between Peoria, IL and Springfield, MO. In January 1975, he began his career with John Deere in Waterloo, IA, which would last over 30 years. He and Lin welcomed their son, Matthew, in 1976. His career with John Deere included assignments at numerous locations including the Tractor Works, Seeding Division, and Harvester Group as well as at the corporate office of Deere and Company. His career led him and his family to move to Davenport, IA in 1982. Bill and Lin lived in Davenport until moving to the Omaha, NE area in 2009.
He loved his family above all else, putting their needs before his own. Lin was his best friend and partner in life for 48 years. One of their favorite things to do was to take long walks and to appreciate nature together. They shared a love for their children, their grandchildren, and dogs. His love and pride for his children and grandchildren was unwavering.
He was an avid fisherman who loved to collect old fishing tackle. He was notorious for buying and selling stuff he collected at garage sales. He always on the lookout for new places and new ways to catch crappies and bass. Later in life, he took up fly tying as a hobby and delighted in catching trout and smallmouth bass on flies he’d created himself. He loved to teach others how to fish, how to tie flies, and how to garden. He never hesitated to help someone in need, often going the extra mile to lend a helping hand. Bringing a smile to someone’s face or making them laugh was something he delighted in doing.
Those left to honor Bill’s memory are his loving wife of 48 years, Lin; daughter Marta Ferguson, son-in-law David Drum, granddaughter Clara; son Matthew, daughter-in-law Holly, grandchildren Benjamin, Hannah, and Mallory; brother Spencer of Pinole, CA; sister-in-law Sharon Longhorn of Gilbertville, IA; and countless other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Street Chapel 2727 N 108th St – Omaha, NE – 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com
