Bill Akason, 85, of Oskaloosa passed away Monday morning, April 27, 2026, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
On June 1, 1968, Bill married Melba Mendenhall at College Avenue Friends Meeting in Oskaloosa, IA. They had three sons, Philip Andrew, b. 1969; Mark Olaf, b. 1971; and Joel Allen, b. 1975. Bill was also a proud grandfather to six granddaughters and one grandson.
William Burton Akason was born on November 3, 1940, in Halstad, Minnesota, the son of Esther and Martin Akason. He sang his first public solo as a second grader in the Sunday School Christmas Pageant at Halstad Lutheran Church. He joined the adult choir as an 8 th grader. After high school. Bill continued with music at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree.
He began his music teaching career in Aitkin, MN. This experience solidified his love of teaching music, which led him to pursue his master’s in music from the University of Iowa. He then began his 34-year career as a choir teacher in the Oskaloosa School District. He retired from teaching in 2000.
Bill was an active member of the music community in Oskaloosa for many years. He proudly served for 38 years as the choir director at the St. Paul Congregational Church. Bill loved to refer to them as his “little Mormon Tabernacle Choir.” After retiring as the church’s choir director, he continued to share his love of music by singing in the choir and men’s quartet at the Central United Methodist Church. Bill also enjoyed being a music accompanist for his friend, Twink Vatter, at the Presbyterian Church. He
participated in the Oskaloosa Community Theater throughout the years. His favorite role was as the Rabbi in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, where he enjoyed entertaining the audience with his creative blessings.
Bill was a life-member in the Iowa Choral Directors’ Association (ICDA). He held various board and committee positions and enjoyed participating as a judge in state-wide singing competitions.
Bill was an avid reader and passionate supporter of the Oskaloosa Public Library, serving in many volunteer roles throughout the years. He also believed strongly in every individual’s right to vote. He proudly served as a lead voting precinct volunteer at Grant Elementary School.
Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the world with family and friends. One of his fondest memories was of riding a camel in the African desert. Bill and Melba loved traveling together to Alaska. After Melba’s passing, Bill continued to visit the state frequently. His travels also enhanced his love of genealogy as he visited many locations throughout the world from which his ancestors originated. Bill’s family is now well equipped with many folders of genealogical information.
Bill took great joy in following his grandchildren’s lives. He carefully kept track and often reported out on their activities, making every effort to show up, whether in person or virtually. His presence and engagement with the family remained until the very end. His family includes his son Philip and wife Ginger, and their daughters, Logan Daniels (Will) and Lindsey; his son Mark and wife Megan, and their children, Taylor, Lauren, and Will; and his son Joel and wife Beth, and their daughters, Brenna and Morgan.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Melba, his brother James, and his sister Lois.
Memorial services for Bill will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Central United Methodist Church with Pastor Jihoon Lee officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. The visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oskaloosa Schools Vocal Music program and Central United Methodist Church.
