William C. Rich Obituary (1938 - 2025)

Born Dec 01, 1938, William C. Rich attended Algona High School in Algona, IA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about William C. Rich.

Graduation Year	Class of 1957
Date of Birth	Dec 01, 1938
Date of Passing	Jan 21, 2025
About	WILLIAM (BILL) C. RICH December 1, 1938 - January 21, 2025 William "Bill" C. Rich, age 86 of Gresham, Oregon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Faye (Johnson) Rich; his wife of 56 years, Carol (Thomas) Rich, his sons, William Rich Jr., and John Rich; grandson, Tom Downey, and siblings; Lorraine, Sandra, Georgia, and Walter (Bud) Rich. He is survived by his daughter, Fay Rich, and grandchild Richie Rich; Carol's children by previous marriage: Evelyn Downey, Edward Downey, Paulette Hall, and many grand-and-great-grandchildren; siblings, Gary Rich, and Rita (Rich) Polson. Bill was born December 1, 1938, in Algona lowa. He grew up on a dairy farm, lettered in high school wrestling, and has two honorable discharges, one in 1957 from the National Guard, and the other in 1962 from the United States Navy as an engineman, mostly, on Ice-Breaker Ships. After traveling the world, Bill met the love of his life, Carol D. Thomas, while they were working at the Glass Factory in Bloomington, Minnesota. They married on October 29, 1962. Bill and Carol went on to share 56 years of marriage and had 3 children together and 3 from Carol's previous marriage. He worked many years as a machinist for Telelect Co. and after some college he was promoted as supervisor. Later Telelect transferred him to Huron S.D. where they lived for 15 years. Bill and Carol moved to Gresham, Oregon in 1989 and retired after his Heart Transplant in 1998 at OHSU making him one of the longest heart transplant patients treated in Oregon. He enjoyed fishing, playing his guitar, working in his shed, gardening, and puzzling. Carol's remans will be placed in Bill's arms where they will remain eternally. May their souls rest in peace, and their memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time. Memorial Services: Friday, February 21, 2025 Willamette National Cemetery (Gate #1) 8098 SE 112th Ave. Portland, OR 97266Plan to arrive at 9:30 AM at the parking lot across from the Administrative Office where family and friends will be directed to drive to a staging area to gather and then led in vehicle procession to the committal shelter where military honors will start at 10:00 AM. Church service and reception to follow at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church 1740 SE 139th Ave., Portland, OR 97233. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either The Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church 1740 SE 139th Ave., Portland, OR 97233, or The American Heart Association, or The American Cancer Society, in Bill and Carol's memory.
Events	https://greshamfuneral.com/obituary/william-bill-c-rich