William Koons

William Koons, age 93, of Longville, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013, at Emmanual Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, MN. He was born to William and Bessie (Senter) Koons on November 5, 1919, in St. Elmo, Il.


He grew up in Champaign, Il, graduating from Champaign High School in 1938. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, being stationed in Wendover Air Force base in Nevada. He also served in the Marianas. He drove trucks and was a cook in the service. Bill was in the 509th Composite Group, which was the group that carried the first atom bomb that bombed Hiroshima, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1945. While stationed at Wendover, he met and married the love of his life, Della Svedin. They were married Feb. 18, 1944. After discharge Bill and Della moved back to Champaign. Bill drove truck and bus until becoming manager of a Phillips "66" gas station in Champaign. During this time Bill and Della were blessed with four children: Billy, Bobby, Danny, and Kaye. In 1958 the family moved to Longville, purchasing Twin Pine Resort on Mule Lake. He then started work in Pine River at Pine Motor as service manager. He also drove school bus for the Longville School a number of years. After selling the resort, they moved to his present home; and also purchased the Standard Station in Longville which he ran until retiring. Bill drove gravel truck for Bill Herheim until his second retiring. In Bill's "retiring" years he continued to do odd jobs, kept his lawn well mowed, and enjoyed time with family and friends, until health made it necessary to move to Emmanual.


William is survived by his children: William "Bill" Koons (Judy) of Columbus, IN, Bob Koons (Jean) of Park Rapids, Dan Koons (Sue) of Salt Lake City, UT, Kaye Barlow (Robert) of Nibley, UT; sisters: Mildred Mullins of Cold Water, MI, Jean Hyde of Rantol, IL, Marion Hyde of Arcadia, FL; 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.


He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Della; brother, Edwin, and grandson Peter.


Services will be 11 AM on Monday, March 18, at Longville Community Church. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Longville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.