William “Bill” Fedialias Young, age 87, a lifelong resident of El Paso, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, at his home, surrounded by those who loved him. Bill was born on March 20, 1937, in the same house where he took his final breath, the son of William and Anna (Steinhauser) Young. Bill attended Hines Elementary School, he walked about a mile to and from school every day. He graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1955. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, earning his teaching certificate in Agriculture. Although he briefly taught at River Falls High School, Bill eventually returned to his true passion-farming-working side by side with his father. On September 10, 1982, Bill married the love of his life, Shirley, at the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club. Their bond was one of deep love and generosity, extending beyond their family to over 200 foster children. Together, they provided a loving home and a place of refuge for children in need, offering them stability and care during difficult times.

Bill was happiest when outdoors, whether working or enjoying nature. An avid hunter, he found joy in everything from deer hunting to squirrel hunting with his grandchildren. He loved fishing, whether casting a line in open water or ice fishing in the winter. Snowmobiling with family and friends brought him great joy, as did his passion for tending to his vegetable garden and participating in tractor pulls. Bill’s love for animals was evident; his loyal dogs were always by his side on the farm. His dog, Bo, roamed the perimeters of his acreage with him, checking out the crop health and garden growth. In addition to farming, Bill was a proud seller of Mercury snowmobiles and embraced the camaraderie of outdoor activities with family and friends.

Bill is survived by his children, Robin Kunkel, Scott Jones, Maureen Buell; grandchildren, Marcia Smeby (David Curtis), Chad Smeby, Cody Jones, Wylie Jones and Tina Buell; great-grandchildren, Logan Birkholz, Nancy Jones, Molly Smeby, Scarlett Curtis, and Leianna Curtis; sister Peggy Kearns; many foster children; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; and sisters, Betty Lou Foss, Rose Pitman, Bonita Vodinelich, and Joann Hyde. He leaves behind his dog, Bo, who was his constant companion during his final years on the farm.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bill will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ellsworth, with a visitation from 12:30pm-1:30pm prior to the service. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Shirley, in Lost Creek Cemetery, with his grandsons and nephews serving as casket bearers. Visitation will take place on Monday, January 6, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth, and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred and will be directed at the discretion of the family. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth.