William "Bill" Arthur Bell

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William A. Bell, age 81, of Rigby Idaho passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on December 11, 2023.

William was born on November 22, 1942 in Huron, South Dakota. He was the son of Chester and Louise Bell. Bill graduated from Erwin High School in 1960 and from Huron College in 1967 with a Bachelor Degree in Business. Through his school years, he was a member of the National Guard. He continued his service with the National Guard after college, too.

He worked for Britts Department Stores in South Dakota and manager at the Idaho Falls Store. He then started working for WonderBread/Hostess Cakes in 1975 as a route salesman. He had to retire in 1992 as a result of a fall from building the second story floor at his home, and broke his heel.

Bill and Vicki Williams were married on February 14, 1975 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Their marriage was later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 10, 1980. Bill and Vicki had a large family of seven children: Marshall B. Lund, Stephanie Bell, Adam Bell, Bridgette Bell, Chet Bell, Dayna Bell, and Eva Bell. They also have 21 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with one due in May of next year.

Bill was an amazing craftsman. He built wooden tables, beds, baby cradles, hope chests, birdhouses, home decorations, shelves, letters…and anything anyone wanted. He loved his ShopSmith saw! People stopped on North 3rd West in 1987 to see him, Vicki, and Marshall taking off the roof of their one level home. On one week of vacation, they had the second floor, walls and roof built! It was crazy and people still talk about that week. They couldn’t believe it was built by us! Bill was an amazing singer, whistler and piano player. He loved doing anything as long as it included his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki; brother Rod (Sherry) Bell of Erwin, SD; children Marshall (Kristine) Lund, Adam (Kim) Bell, Bridgette Sheppard, Chet (Mindy) Bell, Dayna Eckersell and Eva (Clint) Kinghorn: affectionately known as the “Ding Dong Bells” all of Rigby. Grandchildren: Austin, Carson, Brady, Dawson, Sydnee, Maycee, Savannah, Alyssa, Payton, Ally, Ayden, Kaisha, Cheston, Byerly, Bryton, Lilly, Phoenix, Jada, Bella, Clara all of Rigby; great-grandchildren Jax, Kyson, Clayton, Burklee and Tatum of Rigby.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Louise Bell, daughter Stephanie Bell and grandchild Bailey Bell.

A private family gathering with his family will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 W. Main St. Rigby, ID 83442). Interment will follow the service at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.