Rural Fayette resident, Bill Wies, age 71, passed away suddenly July 7, 2025, while loading grain in Clark, MO.

William Francis “Bill” (better known as “Billy” to his close friends) Wies was born on June 5, 1954, in St. Charles, Missouri.  He was one of seven children born to Kenneth Wies and the late Loraine (Loeffler) Wies.  Bill grew up in Cottleville, MO, and attended St. Joseph Catholic School for his elementary education.  He continued his studies at St. Dominic Catholic High School in O’Fallon, MO, through the 11th grade.  After the Wies family relocated to the Fayette area, Bill graduated from Fayette High School with the Class of 1972.  Following high school, Bill began working for Harold Kiepe, building pole barns. On December 4, 1976, he married Mardell Ballew at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayette. Together, they raised three children and shared more than 48 years of marriage.  Farming was Bill’s true passion and primary occupation throughout his life.  In addition to farming, he dedicated approximately 32 years of service to the Howard County Road and Bridge Department.  In his free time, Bill enjoyed playing croquet, going on hunting trips to Colorado, traveling, and collecting John Deere memorabilia.

Survivors include his wife, Mardell Wies; father, Kenneth Wies; three children, Angie (Jamie) Conrow, Jenny (Nathan) Vroman and Clinton (Carlei) Wies, all of Fayette, MO; seven grandchildren, Sam (Hank) Hilderbrand, Abbey Conrow, Jaycie Conrow, Paige Vroman, Kennady Vroman, Colton Wies and Charlotte Wies; two great-grandchildren, Greycen and Wrenleigh Hilderbrand, and one great-grandchild on the way; four brothers, Ron (Jenni) Wies of Mason City, IA, Larry (Colleen) Wies of Fayette, MO, Steve Wies of Fayette, MO and Dick Wies of Rocheport, MO.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.  In addition to his mother, Loraine, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Estill, infant sister, Mary Wies and two sisters-in-law, Carroll Wies and Patsy Wies.

Rosary will be 4 PM, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette.  Visitation will be 4:30-7 PM, following the Rosary at the funeral home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Monday, July 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayette, with Fr. Joshua Duncan officiating.  Interment will follow the service at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the American Heart Association, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.