William "Bill" Joseph Baxter

William “Bill” Joseph Baxter, 90, of rural New Albin passed away Monday, December 21, 2015 at Thornton Manor Care Center in Lansing, IA with his wife Hazel at his side.
He was born November 1, 1925 in Waukon, to Leonard and Leona (Howes) Baxter. He graduated from St. Patrick High School and continued farming with his parents until he joined the United States Army in 1951 where he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean War. He was proud of his military service. He served as a military driver for top brass in Tokyo. Bill was united in marriage with Hazel Rodenkirk July 18, 1956 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah.  
Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in New Albin post number 5603. He was also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Albin. Bill farmed for 40 years in rural New Albin in Winnebago Valley. He enjoyed his regular family reports about the height of the corn and talking about farming with friends and family. He was a man of strong faith, praying the rosary daily and visiting the sick were things he loved to do. Most of all, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Hazel Rodenkirk Baxter; and nine children: Loretta Baxter (Cass Simpson), Racine, WI; Ellen (Dan) Hosmanek, Racine, WI; Julie (Patrick) Gregory, Winona, MN; Joseph Baxter (Shirley Compton), Caledonia, MN; Frank Baxter (Heather Marin), Winona, MN; Paul Baxter, Davenport, IA; Margaret Hollatz, Waupaca, WI; Donna Hopfensperger (Kurt), Appleton, WI; Patrick Baxter (Tomoki Motsumoto), Orlando, Florida. Bill has six grandchildren and 1-1/2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters; Margaret (Ray) Steinhart, Platteville, WI; Sara (Bob) Hrdlicka, Charles City, IA; Ruth Rainey, Lewiston, Idaho and one sister-in-law Rosemary Holland, Decorah, IA and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and three sons: Cyril in May 1964; Daniel in May 1977; and Charles in August 1990. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John (Margie) Baxter, and Katherine (Robert) Irons of Waukon, IA and Lorraine (Don) Skrypek of Paynesville, MN.
Bill’s family would like to thank Dr. Whiteway and the caring staff at the Veteran’s Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Angie Cooper and the amazing staff at Thornton Manor in Lansing, Iowa for the care that they showed Bill over the years. They would also like to thank Father John Moser for his many visits to the nursing home.
Mass of the Resurrection was held Monday morning, December 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Albin, Iowa.
Visitation was held Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing, and one hour before the Mass of the Resurrection at the church Monday.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Albin, Iowa with full military honors.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lansing, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.