Will "Bill" Alma Stoddard

Will “Bill” Stoddard, 91, of North Platte, Nebraska, peacefully passed away on December 4, 2025.

Bill was born on August 11, 1934, to Alma and Hazel (Haddock) Stoddard on a ranch in McPherson County, where he spent his childhood and learned the value of hard work. He graduated from McPherson County High School in Tryon, Nebraska. Following high school, Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1954.

After returning home, Bill began hauling grain locally before working for Goodyear Tire. He later hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad, where he spent many years as a brakeman until his retirement. In 1969, he founded Stoddard Well Drilling, eventually working side by side with his son, Jerry, and building a meaningful family business.

In retirement, Bill embraced the simple pleasures he loved most—growing watermelons, putting up alfalfa, and buying and selling cattle. He took great pride in mowing his lawn and tending to his garden, hobbies that brought him both joy and peace. Bill was also a longtime member of the Eagles Club in North Platte.

Bill married Virginia Clark, and to this union three children were born: Beverly, Jerry, and Janna. He had two other children, William and Sheri. He later married Donna Meierding, and the two shared 30 loving years together.

Bill is survived by his sons, Jerry (Jen) Stoddard and William Porter; daughter Sheri (Bill) Roach; brother Larry (Mary) Stoddard; sisters Yvonne Middleton, JoAnne Rookstool, Donna Bitterman, and Kay Perry; grandchildren Justin (Kelly) Stoddard, Jennifer (Chad) Finke, Jay Porter, and Jenn Milne; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; daughters, Beverly Stoddard and Janna Stoddard; brothers, Earl Stoddard, Fred Stoddard, and Ronald Stoddard; and sisters, Maxine Porter, Ester Reynolds, and Jannie Matzen.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUR Animal Rescue in North Platte.

Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.