William “Bill” Hitchings, age 81, of Isanti died peacefully January 29, 2021 at home. A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday, August 21st at Isanti Union Cemetery.
William Anthony Hitchings was born November 20, 1939 on the Walter Engstrom farm in Bodum, Minnesota. Their family lived near Crown until Bill was about 5 years old. They then moved to South Minneapolis to the Franklin Ave. Flats. Bill graduated from Vocational High School in 1958, and attended Dunwoody Institute for four years, becoming a Sheet Metal Journeyman. On May 14, 1960 he married Janice Sherman and they made their home in Minneapolis and Fridley before coming to rural Isanti in 1972. Bill worked as a Union Sheet Metal worker at Commercial Air for 30 years. Bill loved farming, having helped during the summers of his youth on the Engstrom farm. He loved threshing and working to help farms in the area with haying. After moving to Isanti, he was able to farm his own land as well as he continued to help many friends with their farming. Bill had many lifelong friends in the area. Along with working on the farm, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and tinkering—he could fix anything. His grandkids will always remember their time on the farm, riding in the gopher car and spending time with Grandpa. Bill also loved spending time and traveling with family and friends. Bill and Jan traveled frequently with close friends Betty and Chuck, and many others. He will be dearly missed.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice; four children, Tim (Karn) Hitchings, Terri Hitchings (Tom Hauge), Tad Hitchings (Christina Clark), and Traci (Brent) Doege; brother, Cliff (Pat) Hitchings; sister, LaDonna Small; 5 grandchildren, Tristin, Elise, Emily, MaKayla, and Spencer; one great-grandchild, Allee; and by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Ethel Hitchings, sister Shirley Goodmanson and brothers-in-laws, Jerry Goodmanson and Morrie Small.
The family wants to thank Allina Hospice for the excellent care their team provided. The team showed great compassion and kindness that helped Bill and his family in many ways during this time. Thank you so much! They also want to thank their neighbor Mark for all of his help during this difficult time.
Bill was a wonderful brother-in-law and enjoyed his company with tea and blueberry muffins. He was wonderful to my two children too. His knowledge and advice was always appreciated. Will miss him so dearly. love, Willie
Bill was a great neighbor and friend.
He would come over often to visit Howard and visa versa.
Many times when I was unable to take Howard to the doctor, Bill would do it.
Have a lot of fond memories of him
Auntie Jan and Family, Our hearts go out to you and your family. Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. I will miss Uncle Bill and all the practical farm advice he gave me.
Love, Susie
Tim, Karn, Elise and Emily, and entire Hitching Family:
I remember your Dad and Grandfather fondly. He always had a smile – most recently at Em’s graduation, and a long time ago when we went to visit and the boys rode in the Gopher car. We wish you and your entire family love and peace during this difficult time.
Suzanne Propoggio
This is Aaron. I loved my uncle Bill very much I think he was a wonderful person and will be missed.