William "Bill" Watkins

William “Bill” Watkins, 64, of North Sioux City, South Dakota passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 after a lengthy battle with cancer.  A memorial visitation will be Monday, August 8, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 6:00 P.M. at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City.  A celebration of life will follow services at Crash Boom Bang Whiskey Hole, 213 4^th Street, Sioux City.  

Bill was born in Sioux City Iowa, November 26, 1957 to Charles and Esther (Belt) Watkins, and was the 6th child out of 12.  Bill graduated from Emerson-Hubbard and received many technical degrees in his lifetime.  Bill was a lifelong fixer.  He never met a car, washing machine, mower etc. that he couldn’t fix.  Bill owned his business in North Sioux, Tri State Appliance, repairing appliances full time.   

Known for his generosity, Bill would more times than not give away parts and advice and sometimes machines to those in need.  He would often hand out his last dollar to someone he believed needed it more than he did.  In his final gift of generosity, Bill donated his corneas through the Iowa Donor Network for the gift of sight. During his travels with his niece, Heather Millard to his doctor appointments, Bill shared many of his life stories and adventures.  He spoke of his time farming for Hubbard area farmers or on the Watkins family farm, his packing house days where he met many lifetime friends, working on homes for Habitat of Siouxland, traveling around the country working on industrial refrigeration units, weekend travels to get away, and most recently working for Royal Canin in North Sioux.  Bill had few guilty pleasures in life which included fishing along the river or enjoying a cold one at one of his favorite hangouts. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes be directed to Bill's funeral fund to assist with expenses. 

Bill also enjoyed spending time with his sons, Charles Watkins of South Sioux City and Frank Watkins of St. Paul Minnesota, 4 grandchildren and a great grandchild.  He especially looked forward to his time spent with grandson, Brady Watkins and video chats with granddaughter, Sydney Luo-Watkins.  Bill is survived by his sisters, Kay Straube of Lincoln; Barb Hoyt of Sioux City; Patty (Todd) Anderson of Doniphan; Sharon (Jim) Harral of Hubbard; Joann (Dean) Peters of Omaha; Pam (Randy) Colwell of South Sioux City; Lisa (Bill) Reppert of Pender and brothers, Dan (Sue) Watkins of Washington and Jim (Donell) Watkins of Hubbard. 

Bill was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Esther Watkins; infant brothers, Ronald and Charles Watkins; and niece Alicia Anderson.