William Johnson Fecht

William “Bill” Johnson Fecht, 95, of Carthage, passed away at 11:29 AM, Friday, December 25, 2020, at Red Maple Care Center in Carthage.

Bill was born November 26, 1925, the son of Arnold and Ollie (Johnson) Fecht at home in Harmony Township.  On June 11, 1950, he was united in marriage to Wilma Irene Smith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage.  They celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.  She survives.

During World War II, he did civilian service work at the Ft Madison Railway. Following the War, Bill attained the rank of Corporal in the U.S. Army, serving from 1948 - 1949.  He then continued to serve in the Army Ready Reserve until 1954.  Bill was a farmer all his life, even after his “retirement.”  He had worked at the Bentley Elevator in his younger years and served as a part time rural mail carrier.  The original Christmas Star on the Bentley elevator was built in 1940 with Bill’s help in his grandparent’s kitchen.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage. 

Bill was a lifelong learner who loved to read.  He attended Bentley Grade School through the 8th grade.  In 1968, he returned to school and earned his GED.  He enjoyed story-telling, meeting new people, and tinkering with machinery out in the shop.

Bill is survived by his wife, Wilma, of Carthage; a daughter, Sandra M. Fecht of St. Paul, Minnesota; two sons, James W. Fecht of Falcon Heights, Minnesota and Robert (Shellee) Fecht of Carthage; a grandson, Wyatt Fecht of St. Louis; and LeAnn Schofield-Fecht who held a special place in Bill and Wilma’s life for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, John E. Fecht.

Private family funeral services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.  The family strongly requests no flowers but rather that Bill be honored through memorials.  Memorials may be directed to Camp Callahan (a summer camp for individuals age 6-65 with special needs) in Quincy or to the Maple Grove Memory Care Center in Carthage.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

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