William (Bill) Potter

William (Bill) Potter, 81, of Davenport, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Genesis East Medical Center.    

William R. Potter was born on May 18, 1944, in Abilene, Texas, the son of Dr. John W. and Dorothy L. (Reich) Potter.  Bill graduated from Muscatine High School in 1962 and went on to earn a teaching degree from Parsons College in Fairfield.   Bill was united in marriage to Judith Schneider in 1964; to this union two daughters were born, Stephanie and Lynette.   Following his graduation from college, Bill taught school briefly before returning to the West Liberty area where he farmed his family’s farm.  Bill had a passion for cars and was able to share that with many during his 20 plus years of employment at Krieger Motor Company and later RM Distributing.  Bill worked in the parts departments and was known to many as “Highwayman Bill”- his famous greeting when answering the phone.  Bill also enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles. 

Bill is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Brian) Tolander of Gladstone, Missouri and Lynette (Brian) Gilbert of Cedar Falls; five grandchildren, Bailey, Jackson and Chase Gilbert and Sydney and Aubrey Tolander; sister, Jane (Nick) Ogilvie of Muscatine; Bill’s long-time friend, Sandy Mitchell and many nieces and nephews. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John (Jewell) Potter.

Private burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery.  A memorial has been established for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Bill’s name. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral Home, c/o of the Potter family, 2907 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, Iowa 52761.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  

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