William “Bill” Joseph Kocian

Thursday, September 17, 2015 1:30 pm

William “Bill” Joseph Kocian, Sr. of Waukon, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis. He spent his last moments surrounded by his family and loved ones. Family and friends visited Sunday, Sept. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah.

He was born March 18, 1957 to Anna M. (Malec) and Rudolph L. Kocian in Pittsburgh, Pa. He grew up a Pirates and Steelers fan, often times skipping school for opening day. Riding mini-bike and playing street hockey were some of his favorite activities. In 1975 he joined the United States Army as an air conditioning specialist. He spent time at Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Belvoir, Va. and Fort Devens, Mass. While stationed at Fort Devens in 1980, he met and married Faye Olson of Decorah. From this union four children were born. Together, the army took them to Darmstadt and Wildflecken, Germany. After returning to the states, they settled down in Iowa, where Bill made his home. In July of 2002 Bill married Janeen Ruen of Decorah. This union blended two families, together making a family of five girls and three boys. Taking eight children camping and fishing always turned into an adventure. Bill spent his last years with Michelle Albertson. They enjoyed camping, fishing and going for ride in his Metro Convertible. Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He spent several summers at Blackhawk Park, where he enjoyed camping, fishing and sitting around the campfire. Bill could often be found on his boat with loved ones close by. When he wasn’t busy fishing he worked as a carpenter and did snow removal. He often dreamed of moving to Arizona to get away from the Iowa winters.

Bill is survived by his children: Bill Jr. (Nicole) of Bloomington, Wis., David (Julia) of Harmony, Minn., Anthony (Aubrey) of Calmar and Nicole (Nick) of Burr Oak; two sisters, Pat and Lorraine of Pittsburgh, Pa.; five grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Anna; one brother and one sister.