William "Bill" Richard Overeen Prentice

William Richard Overeen Prentice was born on January 22, 1983 in Spencer, IA to Rebecca Overeen Prentice and Richard Prentice.

Bill was an active and curious boy, always on the move. He could often be found climbing to the window sill, watching for the garbage truck, playing with his matchbox cars, riding his bike or running his train set. Summers were spent at Cutty’s, where mornings meant mini golf and evenings were shared with family and close friends – memories that stayed close to his heart.

Bill attended First English Preschool, Jefferson Elementary and Spencer Middle School. He graduated from Spencer High School in 2002, where he was active in Spencer High Band. He made a trip to the Cotton Bowl where he made good memories. In 2004, he graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with a degree in Construction Technology. Upon graduation, he also earned The Young Leader Award and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society. Bill worked for Iowa Lakes Community College in the maintenance department and also as a shuttle and mall delivery driver. Bill made many wonderful friends there. He also worked for Menards in Spencer, IA.

The Clay County Fair was one of Bill’s favorite places to work. He worked his vacation time every summer for around 25 years. He was an escort and a friend for Rocket the Robot. He worked security at the fair. His love for people and for the fair itself encouraged him to request that a bench be placed there in his honor.

Bill enjoyed working for the City of Spencer Sanitation Department as a sub. There he fulfilled his childhood desire to “work with the people and equipment”.

Many little boys have a love of trains; Bill never outgrew his. His dream of working on the “railroad” was achieved. He was an employee of the “Canadian Pacific” Railway, working for the engineering department, helping supervise the maintenance of miles of track both in Spencer and miles away from home; long hours in inclement weather to help ensure the tracks remained safe for travel. He did this for 18 years. Weekends were dedicated to road trips home and then back to work. His mission was always to be at church in time to refresh and help with church. Then visit with family and friends before heading back to work. He was blessed by the friendship and love of co-workers far and wide.

It was at Grace Church, Bill was baptized and became a lifelong member. His faith was the most important part of his life. He had a deep and genuine relationship with the Lord, one that guided him daily and was evident to those around him. He lived his faith through his actions. His service and the way he cared for others was part of him. He traveled with youth groups and went on mission trips. He helped chaperone the same. He assisted with youth group and was always willing to lend a hand, whether serving behind the scenes, running the sound board or teaching others to do the same.

Bill was a friend to many from all walks of life. It was often said of him, “he would give you the shirt off his back”. He was defined by others as a kind, gentle soul, a pure soul, a hard worker, loving, stoic, faithful, always there for you, dedicated to friends and never asking for anything in return. He was usually soft spoken, but when he did speak, you wanted to listen, cuz it would be important. If we would comment on the many roadblocks and challenges he met as a child and growing up into an adult, he replied “that’s what made me so strong!” Another phrase he always used when being confronted with some type of a daily problem or uncertainty was “It is what it is!” And… he meant it!

Bill was proud to achieve the status of Eagle Scout, he was a Mason, a Shriner and belonged to the ATV CORP. Bill enjoyed serving as a mentor in the Clay County PALS program, working with the youth.

Bill was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2025. The journey was difficult. He faced it with a quiet strength, a courageous heart and deepened faith, placing his trust in God every step of the way. And thanksgiving to numerous doctors and staff.

Bill is survived by his mother, Rebecca Overeen Prentice, his sister, Hope Prentice and his father, Richard Prentice; nephew, Brennon Prentice (Clare) great niece, Layne; great nephew: Rhen; as well as special friends: Halley Carpenter and Dayton Peters. Others left to cherish his memory are several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family preceding him in death include his infant brother, Eric; grandparents: Margaret and Bill Overeen, Ruth and Bob Prentice; cousins: Brian Prentice, Brian Nelson, Gina Kelp; uncles: Lee Seck and Keith Prentice.