William O. ("Bill") Wathern was born November 12, 1923, to William and Lola (Randall) Wathern in Swatara, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Swatara. He was educated and graduated from the Swatara School System. Following high school, Bill moved to Seattle, Washington, and worked in the ship yards until entering the United States Navy. He was a Veteran of World War II. Bill was united in marriage to Margaret Sjolie on May 17, 1947, until her death in 1985. To this union were born three daughters. Bill and Margaret farmed and raised their children near Madison, Minnesota. Bill married Lois Skallen of Boyd, Minnesota, on July 23, 1988. Bill and Lois made their home in rural Boyd. Bill worked as a welder in his younger days and was always fixing machinery for farmers in the neighborhood. His major occupation was farming, which he worked at until his retirement. After retirement, Bill remained active cutting iron and make lawn and garden ornaments. He was an avid reader and frequently attended dances with wife, Lois. They were members of Zion Lutheran Church. Bill passed away Thursday, July 17, 2003, at the Wiener Memorial Long Term Care Facility at Marshall, Minnesota, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 5 days. He is survived by wife Lois; daughters: Gloria Mittelstadt and Diane Clark of Seattle, Washington, and JoAnn Domogalla of Alexandria, Minnesota; step-daughter Monica Lindemann of Marshall, Minnesota; sister Jean of Little Canada, Minnesota; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents; sister Irma; and wife Margaret. Blessed be his memory. Visitation Sunday, July 20, 2003, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service 4:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Monday, July 21, 2003, 2:00 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church, Tyro Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Scott Muehlberg Organist, Norma Streich Soloist, Barb Berg Honorary Casket Bearers Justin Domogalla, Adam Domogalla Karl Domogalla, Ryan and Cerissa Ling Chad Lindemann, Callin Lindemann, Sarah Clark Casket Bearers James Bach, Greg Donovan Odell Halverson, Orville Haugen Craig Hermanson, Emil Streich Final Resting Place Ness Lutheran Cemetery Madison Township, Lac qui Parle County Minnesota Military Rites VFW Post 1656, Madison, Minnesota Taps by Carlyle Larsen Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota