BRODHEAD - William Marvin Saunders, age 88, passed away July 21, 2009. He was born on June 29, 1921 in Welton, Iowa; the son of Ernst and Reva (VanHorn) Saunders. Bill graduated from Edgerton High School. Bill served in the Army, 5th Division, 2nd Infantry, Cannon Company. As Sergeant, he was in charge of setting up, operating and maintaining telephone stations. He was involved in five major campaigns in Europe and was awarded five Bronze Stars and the French Bronze Star for his efforts. Bill married Joanne Russo on November 27, 1948 in Rockford, Illinois.
After the military he co-owned Brodhead Body and Fender Works for 14 years and then worked for 34 years for Knight Manufacturing.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, Brodhead; children: Cynthia (LaVaughn Rice) of Beloit, Ernst (Donna) Saunders of Brodhead and Reva (Mike Delsart) of Telluride, CO; three grandchildren: Justin and Monica Saunders and Christopher Cox; one great-grandchild, Casey Cox. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth Furseth.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Fr. Michael Moon officiating. A visitation will be Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Everson Funeral Home, Brodhead. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to American Cancer Society in Bill's name.
After the military he co-owned Brodhead Body and Fender Works for 14 years and then worked for 34 years for Knight Manufacturing.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, Brodhead; children: Cynthia (LaVaughn Rice) of Beloit, Ernst (Donna) Saunders of Brodhead and Reva (Mike Delsart) of Telluride, CO; three grandchildren: Justin and Monica Saunders and Christopher Cox; one great-grandchild, Casey Cox. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth Furseth.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Fr. Michael Moon officiating. A visitation will be Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Everson Funeral Home, Brodhead. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to American Cancer Society in Bill's name.