William "Bill" Sholes

William “Bill” David Sholes, 57, of Dorchester, IA, and formerly of Utica, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, after a courageous battle with cancer that he faced with strength and grace.

Bill was born July 17, 1967, in Winona to David and Linda (Heineke) Sholes. He grew up in Utica and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1985. On August 8, 1992, he married Tracey Dresselhaus. Shortly after, they moved to Dorchester, IA, where they started their family. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and the everyday beauty of farm life while raising their two daughters, Taylor and Jessica.

Bill worked for Trane Company as a welder and later went on to school to become an electrical mechanical technician, a career he enjoyed until retiring from Trane in 2020 due to health reasons.

Bill’s heart was happiest outdoors and on the farm. He found meaning in the land and took pride in teaching his daughters the value of hard work, self-sufficiency, and integrity. The life he lived and the lessons he shared are woven into the lives of those he loved most.

He was an avid hunter, especially passionate about bow hunting (deer and bear) and found happiness in fishing (trout, river, salmon), camping at Bass Camp, traveling, kayaking, and tinkering with projects around the farm. Bill’s greatest joy, though, came from time spent with family and friends, who meant the world to him. He had a gentle soul, one that was down to earth, genuine, selfless, and kind—always looking out for others and quietly making life better for those around him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Tracey; daughters, Taylor and Jessica; parents, Dave and Linda Sholes; sister, Jennifer (Joe) Horsch; mother-in-law, Jean Dresselhaus; brothers-in-law, Scott and Russ Dresselhaus; and many nieces and nephews: Nathan (Anna) Horsch, Ryan (Jenni) Horsch, Calysta, Zackary and Caitlyn Dresselhaus, Brittany (Jay) Johnson, and April (Corey) Crivits. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Dresselhaus; sister-in-law, Jenny Dresselhaus and several aunts and uncles.

Bill’s life was full of deep and lasting friendships. He especially cherished the time, laughter, and camaraderie he shared with Troy Stein, Carl Hamilton, and his lifelong friend, Mike Horsman. (Mike and Bill were affectionately known as “Thunder and Lightning” when they were together.)

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. A time of sharing will begin at 1 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to dress casually and wear camo or their favorite funny t-shirt—just as Bill would have wanted. His life was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on in the love he gave so freely.

His family would like to thank Dr. Oettle, Kelly Lay and all of the staff that so compassionately cared for Bill throughout the years.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.