Bill was born on September 4, 1953 in Sterling, the son of John and Rosella (Baer) Schell. He married Linda Wiersema on April 13, 1973 in Milledgeville. She preceded him in death on September 9, 1992.
Survivors included two daughters, Christy (Brad Bush) Gallentine of Morrison and Tammy (Angel) Chino of Sterling, one son Wesley (Tricia) Schell of Mahomet, one sister, Gloria (Gary) Jost of OR, one brother, John (Janice) Schell of Chadwick, and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill loved his family, farming and Mountain Dew. He was a lifelong farmer in Milledgeville cultivating the land and raising livestock. He also custom round bailed all over Carroll and Whiteside County, with his Vermeer bailer. He was a proud member of both the Carroll County Fair Board and the Carroll County Farm Bureau. Bill enjoyed participating in the annual Antique Tractor Drive and always looked forward to the Carroll County Fair each summer. Bill loved driving on country roads with the windows down and a Mountain Dew by his side. It brought him much joy seeing his kids and grandkids happy and successful in their lives. Bill had a kind, loving, gentle spirit that will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Milledgeville. Cremation rites will follow and private inurnment will take place at Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery in Sterling at a later date.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Carroll County Fairgrounds.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
