Dr. William “Bill” Giddings

Bill was born to Virgil G. and Elvina M. Nelson Giddings on October 3, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He grew up in Humboldt, Iowa with his parents and older brother, Gerry. Bill and Gerry became best friends for life. Bill was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1964 and enrolled at Iowa State University (ISU), Ames, Iowa.

Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in 1968 and master’s degree in 1974 from ISU. There, Bill met Jean Worthan of Storm Lake while both served as Department of Residence head residents. Bill joined the Army in 1969 and served in a Field Artillery Regiment stationed at Bamberg, Germany in 1970-71.

Bill and Jean were married in Ames on April 1, 1972. The couple made their first home in Ames, and soon moved to Huxley, where they lived while Bill taught junior high math in Ankeny and Jean worked at Iowa State. Later, Bill and Jean moved to Fort Dodge, where the family grew to six with children Kim (K), Michael, Julie, and Mark. While working and parenting, Bill achieved a Ph.D. in higher education in 1985, also from ISU.

Bill brought his talent and leadership to enrich several community colleges in Iowa and Nebraska. Bill began his 38-year career in community college leadership in Fort Dodge. He took a position at Iowa Central Community College and finished his 18 years of service there as Director of Adult Education. In 1992, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, where Bill became Campus President at Central Community College, a position he held for 12 years. Bill returned to Iowa to finish his career as President of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon for 8 years.

After retirement, Bill and Jean returned to Ames, where it all began. They were married for nearly 54 years.

Bill’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church of Ames, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sheldon, Peace Lutheran Church of Grand Island, Christ Lutheran Church of Fort Dodge, and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Humboldt. Throughout his life, Bill served his communities, including as a member and leader in Civitan, Elks, Rotary, and multiple Chambers of Commerce.

Above all, Bill cherished time with family and friends. Bill was especially happy spending time ‘at the lake.’ He created a lifetime of memories with annual family vacations at Sebago Resort on Round Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. There, he earned the moniker Bluegill Bill for his proficiency at catching those gullible fish, but not many others.

Bill’s love surrounded his family, always. He gave his support and presence for them throughout his life, at sports, music, dance, piano, and father-child clubs and activities. He was always there whether we were happy, sad, sick, or just needed to hear his voice. Bill was known for his big laugh, which he shared quickly and often, for the joy he experienced sharing a good meal with loved ones, and for intuitively offering words of encouragement and his sturdy shoulder to his children when they needed to lean on him.

Bill is survived by his wife Jean; four children K Giddings (John Whitfield), Michael (Lynnelle) Giddings, Julie Giddings (Aaron Fahrenkrog), and Mark Giddings; five grandchildren Colin and Elise Fahrenkrog, Jesiah Giddings, Archer Whitfield, and Zadie Giddings; in-laws Jane Giddings, Jody (Doug) Lindgren, Gary (Jan) Worthan, and Bonnie Worthan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother V. Gerry Giddings, Jean’s parents Dean and Rafa Worthan and stepmother Jeanette Worthan, and in-laws Judith Giddings and Richard Worthan.

Bill’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at the church immediately after the service. Burial at Ames Municipal Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the William G. Giddings Scholarship for Leaders at Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, Iowa or Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa.

We will remember Bill as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, and he will be so missed.