Ehr, Jacob “Bill” William

Jacob “Bill” William Ehr, age 73 of rural Hollandale died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at his home with his wife Deb by his side. He was born on February 3, 1951 in Waterloo, Iowa to Nicholas George and Mary Estelle (Racey) Ehr. He grew up in Jesup, Iowa with his parents and his six sisters and one brother. In school, Bill was a wrestler and football player. After graduating from Jesup High School in 1969, Bill went on to Upper Iowa University in Fayette where he studied Biology. He started his career in construction in Iowa, and eventually moved to Pine, Colorado where he met Deb Kupetz. They were married September 2, 1979 in Bailey, Colorado. They welcomed their first daughter Nicole in 1980, while living in the Colorado mountains. They then moved to rural Jesup, Iowa. While in Colorado and Iowa, Bill and Deb ran their own construction companies. In 1985, the family moved to rural Hollandale, Wisconsin, where their second daughter Mariah was born. Upon moving to Wisconsin, Bill worked for Apollo Construction, and then Roberts Construction from which he retired in 2011. In his construction work, he especially enjoyed working on historical restorations and large commercial building projects that received multiple awards. Bill served on the Iowa County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, chairing many committees, was active in the Iowa County Democratic Party and enjoyed being a judge for the Skills USA Competition. 

Bill loved fishing year-round and was happiest sitting on a bucket on the ice, even if the fish weren’t biting. He was a natural artist including drawing, painting, woodworking (making one of a kind wooden creations) and carving his famous pumpkins. He loved the performing arts, including listening to classical music, attending operas, Shakespeare, and live theater and was an avid reader. He was a wonderful cook, specializing in fish frys and pancake art. Bill never turned down a game of original Trivial Pursuit against his family, tapping into his endless and ever-growing knowledge of facts to always guarantee his victory. In retirement he loved going to his cabin and spending time with his three grandchildren playing games, fishing, zip lining, teaching them, and watching Alf on TV. 

Bill is survived by his wife Deb Ehr of rural Hollandale; two daughters, Nicole Ehr of Stoughton, Wisconsin and Mariah (John) Carlos of Chaska, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Samantha Gilbert, and Lyla and Myles Carlos; six sisters, Susan (Charley) Brown of Jesup, Iowa, Kathi Kennicott of Dysart, Iowa, Patricia Monat of Jesup, Iowa, Michelle (Bob) Thoma of Independence, Iowa, Jeanette (Bill) Delagardelle of Jesup, Iowa, and Maggie Ehr of Gilbertville, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Sandi (Jeff) Kline of Denver, Colorado, and Colleen Ehr of Mesa, Arizona; many cousins and friends. Uncle Bill was also loved by 38 nieces and nephews, 43 great nieces and nephews and 6 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Esther Cohen-Strauss and Mel Kupetz; his brother James Ehr; two brothers-in-law, Chuck Kennicott and Dan Monat; one honorary brother-in-law, Tom Monat; one sister-in-law Nancy Ehr; one niece, Angie Linder; two nephews, Shawn Ehr, and Keith Foust.

A gathering to celebrate and honor Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Blanchard Hall at 206 South Main Street in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page. The family wishes to thank Ashley and the staff of Upland Hills Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.