William H. “Billy” Fitzsimons, age 70 of Calamine, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. He was born March 11, 1948 in Dodgeville, the son of Francis and Leone (Koehn) Fitzsimons. Billy graduated from Darlington High School in 1966 and later went on to receive his degree in Diesel Mechanics from MATC in Madison. He lived in Calamine all of his life. Billy worked for Terra Fertilizer Company in Calamine for 22 years. In 1990, he began working with Michael’s Construction where he worked for 15 years until retiring in 2005. After his retirement, Billy worked part-time at Willow Springs Township where he loved talking with his neighbors.
Billy is survived by his mother: Leone Fitzsimons of Calamine; two sisters: Rose Hess of Warren, Ill., and Ellen Crosby of Darlington; two brothers: Elmer (Karen) Fitzsimons of Des Moines, Iowa and Patrick (Terri) Fitzsimons of Potterville, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father: Francis on Dec. 17, 1981.
Billy will be remembered for his caring presence and all of the kindness he showed to everyone. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and his friends.
A Celebration of Billy’s life was held Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Park Place, Darlington) where Rev. Nick J. McElrath of First Baptist Church in Darlington officiated. Burial was in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Truman. A visitation was held Monday, April 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Billy’s name.