WILLIAM & Quot; BILL & Quot; LEE STOLTE
Cedars Rapids
William “Bill” Lee Stolte, 64, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully on August 3, 2021 in University of Iowa hospitals from an injury. Bill was born September 10, 1956 in Hiawatha, Iowa, to Bill and Joyce (Heck) Stolte. He worked at Rockwell Collins for over 30 years.
Bill had a happy early childhood with his parents Bill and Joyce. After Bill’s parents divorced, he lived with his father and older brother Steve, whom he admired and with whom he embarked on many misadventures. When Bill Sr. (Big Bill) married the love of his life, Janice Kramer, Little Bill was welcomed into a big stepfamily. As a teenager, he loved sports and worked on cars. Between him and his half-brothers, many classic cars ended up in ditches in rural Benton County.
Bill married Diane Sigmundi in 1981. They had two children, Angie and Mike. He really enjoyed spending time with the two of them.
Bill’s fondest memories include driving a forklift at Universal Gym, training youth basketball, and working at a gas station in Keystone, Iowa. He managed to renovate and topple several houses. He loved muscle cars, playing the drums, mowing, playing sports of all kinds, listening to loud music, talking on the phone and relaxing on the couch watching movies.
Bill’s love for animals lasted his entire life. He leaves behind his cats Chonk and Steve and his big dog Woods. Her German Shepherd, Cindy, and her cat, Boots, held a special place in her heart.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Angela Stolte and his son, Michael Stolte; three grandchildren, Vincent Stolte, Saylor Smith and Ryder Breeden; his mother, Joyce Banks; his stepmother, Janice Stolte; one brother, Steve Stolte (Marcia); a half-brother, Jeff Banks (Misty); three half-brothers, Val Kramer (Dawn), Scott Kramer and Jim McCarter (Becky); a half-sister, Shell Carter (Ray); one sister-in-law, Deb Kramer; and many other family members and close friends.
Bill was predeceased by his father, William Stolte; stepfather, Joe Banks; half-brother, Kevin Kramer; nephews, Jason Sigmundi and Slade Bral; and friend, Kris Husman.
The celebration of life will take place at Cocktails and Company. Bill’s desire is for his ashes to be scattered in Mexico.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the University of Iowa SNICU as well as the Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home.
