William E. Cody, 90

William Edward Cody, 90, died Feb. 1 in New Richmond, Wis., of natural causes.

Ed was born Jan. 7, 1922, in Stanton, to Edward and Hazel Cody. He resided in the New Richmond area his entire life, graduated from New Richmond High School in 1939, and was chosen as Homecoming King.

He married his high school sweetheart, Leonette Mary (Moore) Cody, on May 30, 1942, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Erin Prairie, Wis. They were married 54 years and raised eight children. His love of family has been shown to his 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Ed worked in the shipyards in Superior, Wis., until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 serving in San Diego, Calif. Returning to New Richmond, he was a dairy farmer. In 1963, Ed and Leonette started Cody's Meat Market. Raising exotic breeds of beef cattle was his passion. He showed his steers across the United States, winning numerous awards. With great pride, he followed a number of his sons and grandchildren as they continued showing cattle.

In 2001, Ed married Reta Van Camp, a caring and loving wife, sharing happiness in their later years. Reta resides in Phoenix, Ariz., near her daughter, Sue Van Camp.

Ed was a lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. On Feb. 15 he would have celebrated the most continuous years as a member of the New Richmond Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leonette; son Michael Cody and grandson Jason Maertens; his parents; five brothers, John, Tom, Warren, Donald, and Gerald Cody; and three sisters, Mary Hawkins, Collette Krear, and Barbara Voight.

Surviving members of his family are: four sons, Pat (Kathy), Larry (Judy), Ed (Lynn), and George (Chris) Cody; three daughters, Katy (Tom) Higgins, Mary Harman, and Ann Foster; daughter-in-law Kathy (Michael) Cody; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; his sister Rachel (Larry) Krier; and many loving relatives.

Visitation at Cullen Crea Funeral Home, 307 S. Arch Ave., New Richmond, from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1880 County Road G, Erin Prairie. Father James Brinkman will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Interment immediately following with military honors as a World War II veteran. Visitation will take place 1 hour before the service at the church. A reception will be held at St. Patrick's Church basement.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Pat, Larry, Ed, and George Cody; his grandson Bill Cody; and son-in-law Tom Higgins. Honorary pallbearers will be his daughters, Katy Higgins, Mary Harman, and Ann Foster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: Deerfields, 1127 W. 8th St., New Richmond, WI 54017 and Hospice, 1715 Tower Dr. W., Suite 330, Stillwater, MN 55082 or a personal preference.

Arrangements by Cullen Crea Funeral Home, 715-246-2667.

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