William R. “Bill” Angell was born in Lansing, Mich., to Robert D. and Frances L. Angell, on Aug. 24, 1946, and died Jan. 27, 2022.

Bill was raised on a small farm in Michigan, where he first acquired his love for agriculture. After graduating from East Lansing High School, he enrolled at Michigan State University (MSU), where he would begin his lifetime involvement with the cattle industry. Bill was an avid evaluator of livestock and was a member of the livestock judging team at MSU, where he had great success and always valued the instruction he received from his coach and lifelong friend, Dr. Harlan Ritchie. Upon graduation from MSU, Bill continued his education by earning master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, where his success in livestock judging continued, but this time as the coach.

Bill married Donna Zimmerman on April 30, 1971. Shortly after their marriage, Bill and Donna moved to Lexington, Ky., where Bill coached the livestock judging team at the University of Kentucky and continued to impact many young people who would go on to do great things in the industry. Throughout his life, when Bill would recognize the potential a young person had to impact the industry or to achieve their goals, he was the first one to lend support and to share some of his expertise he had gathered along his journey. His willingness to take the time to share words of encouragement with people over the years was an invaluable gift to so many.

After two years at the University of Kentucky, Bill made a career change that would set in motion the next nearly 50 years of his professional life. In the fall of 1973, Bill moved his family to Pine Bluff, Ark., as he became a field man for the American Polled Hereford Association. He traveled throughout a four-state region, as well as nationally, working with Polled Hereford breeders assisting them with the marketing and promotion of their operations and conducting the business of the association.

In 1978, Bill and Donna moved their family to Colorado as Bill accepted a position with the Record Stockman newspaper. After leaving the Record Stockman, Bill worked for Superior Livestock Auction. He later became the yards manager at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). Most recently, he was livestock manager at the Nebraska State Fair.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, sister-in-law, Lois, and brother-in-law, David. He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Blake (Kirsten) Angell, of Gove, Kan.; daughter, Miki (Steve) Kissler, of LaSalle, Colo.; daughter, Missy (Amy) Angell of Greeley, Colo.; brother, Richard (Leslie) Angell, of Michigan; grandson, Tyler Kissler; granddaughter, Makayla Kissler; grandson, Seth Kissler; granddaughter, Brynnlee Angell; brother-in-law, Reg (Betty) Zimmerman, of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Barbara Zimmerman, of Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Bill (Sharon) Zimmerman, of Wisconsin; nephew, Nic (Shara) Angell, of California; nephew, Kevin (Jenny) Angell, of Michigan and numerous other brothers-in-law,  sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A service was held Feb. 4 at the First Presbyterian Church in LaSalle. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of LaSalle or to one of Bill’s favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or The Wounded Warriors Project.