William Campbell
January 26, 1936 - May 02, 2026
Obituary
William (Bill) Lester Campbell passed away on May 2, 2026. Services will be held at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville on Wednesday, June 24, at 4 p.m.
Bill was born on January 26, 1936, in Madison, South Dakota, to William M. and Ida J. (Bjerkelo) Campbell. He was the eldest of the three Campbell boys.
Family legend held that he walked to school in six feet of snow, uphill both ways. His children, however, have all visited Madison and have never found a hill.
He married his sweetheart, Adelia (Schultz) Campbell, on June 29, 1958, beginning a journey that lasted more than 68 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from General Beadle State Teachers College (now Dakota State University) in 1958, a Master of Arts from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1961, a Master of Science from the University of Michigan in 1966, and a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1970.
Bill joined the faculty of Platteville Normal School (now the University of Wisconsin–Platteville) in 1965 at the invitation of Dr. Ullsvik. He retired in 1998 after more than 33 years in the Mathematics Department, where he mentored future math teachers and influenced countless students. During his career, he was also a respected speaker at mathematics and education conferences.
Bill and Adelia shared a love of travel and eventually visited all 50 states, as well as Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. He also enjoyed World War II and Civil War history, photography, golfing, chocolate, and—true to family lore—charging interest.
Bill was a proud supporter of the military and valued his service in the South Dakota National Guard. In Platteville, he was active in the Kiwanis Club, Platteville Golf and Country Club, Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville Schools Credit Union/Rountree Credit Union, TAUWP, and AFT.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert and Ronald; and his son-in-law, Randy Grimes. He is survived by his loving wife, Adelia; his four children, Carrie (Dan) Huebner, Brian (Leslie) Campbell, Carol Campbell, and Connie Tosi; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Bill’s family offers heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City and Edenbrook in Platteville for the years of care and kindness they provided.