Bill Dotseth, age 66, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Helms Funeral Homes, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah, Iowa.

There will be no formal services at this time.

Burial will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the family in memory of Bill. 

Bill was born on February 8, 1959, in Waukon, Iowa, to Bob and Pat Dotseth. He grew up on the family farm in rural Winneshiek County and attended Waukon High School, graduating in 1977. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he developed a love for anything with wheels and an engine. First bikes, go-karts, mini bikes, and then motorcycles. When those ran out of gas, he would tear around on the Cub Cadet. As a young man, he and his crew of friends had many humorous adventures that have been reminisced about for decades. He hosted “moose” parties on the farm that were a lot of fun.

Bill was deeply rooted in the family farm, working the land alongside his dad through much of his life, and continuing to take care of the farm after his parents passed away. He truly was a jack of all trades. After leaving farming, he worked many different jobs, including carpenter, plumber, mechanic, and, most recently, as a truck driver for Bruening’s. Because he was skilled in so many areas and could fix just about anything, Bill was the person everyone called when they needed help with a project. Not only because he was dependable, but because everything he did, he did with care and perfection. When someone thanked him for his help, his usual response was, “Don’t have to thank me.” You probably know the way he said it.

Bill had a lifelong love for classic cars and owned a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 from the time he was a teenager. He proudly showed it at car shows over the years, winning many awards along the way and making several lifelong friends. He loved tinkering on and restoring old Cub Cadets and Oldsmobiles with his dad and was a member of the Oldsmobile Club of America for many years. He took pride in everything he did, from keeping his lawn perfectly mowed (even teaming up with his neighbor to mow the ditch every week), to making sure his work truck was washed before starting the week. Bill also loved good barbecue, Top Gun, and saying things just to make his family laugh. There weren’t many things he didn’t like, aside from Toyotas, perfume, and the Vikings.

While Bill took pride in many things, he was most proud of his family, especially his grandsons.

On June 13, 1987, Bill married Linda Tangen. Together, they raised two children, Jarad and Allison. Bill and Linda shared nearly 38 years of marriage and created a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Bill’s three grandsons, Oliver, Graham, and Ivan, were the light of his life. He spent every minute he could playing with cars and Legos, watching their favorite shows, and chasing them around the house. Bill was a devoted dad and an incredible grandpa. His love showed in every moment he spent teaching, playing, and simply being present for his children and grandsons. There were so many things he was looking forward to teaching them.

Bill left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. We can all learn to be better humans by living the way he did, with love, integrity, and a humble heart.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, Jarad (Caitlyn) Dotseth and their boys Oliver and Graham, Allison (Seth) Christen and their son Ivan. He is also survived by his brother, Eric (Becky) Dotseth, several brothers-and sisters-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Pat Dotseth; Mother-and Father-in-law Bev and Merlin Tangen.