William Glenn "Bill" Giddings

William Glenn Giddings, known to all as Bill, passed away on March 12, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old.

Born on October 3, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Virgil G. and Elvina M. Nelson Giddings, Bill grew up in Humboldt with his older brother, Gerry, who became his lifelong best friend. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1964, earned a bachelor’s degree in 1968 and a master’s degree in 1974 from Iowa State University, and later completed a Ph.D. in higher education in 1985, also from ISU. In 1969, he served in the U.S. Army with a Field Artillery Regiment stationed in Bamberg, Germany.

In 1972, Bill married Jean Worthan of Storm Lake, Iowa, beginning a marriage that lasted nearly 54 years. Together they raised four children—Kim (K), Michael, Julie, and Mark—in Fort Dodge and later in Grand Island, Nebraska. Bill devoted 38 years to community college leadership, serving first at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, then as Campus President at Central Community College in Grand Island for 12 years, and finally as President of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon for eight years before retiring.

A man of deep faith, Bill was a longtime member of several Lutheran congregations, including Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. He gave generously of his time through Civitan, Elks, Rotary, and various Chambers of Commerce. Above all, he cherished his family. He created countless memories during annual summer vacations at Sebago Resort on Round Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota, where he earned the affectionate nickname Bluegill Bill. His big laugh, steady presence, and quiet words of encouragement were gifts to everyone who knew him, especially his children, who always found comfort in his support and his sturdy shoulder.

Bill is survived by his wife Jean; his children K Giddings (John Whitfield), Michael (Lynnelle) Giddings, Julie Giddings (Aaron Fahrenkrog), and Mark Giddings; five grandchildren, Colin and Elise Fahrenkrog, Jesiah Giddings, Archer Whitfield, and Zadie Giddings; and many other relatives who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother V. Gerry Giddings, and several other beloved family members.

He will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.