William Russell Kauten, 79, of Vero Beach, FL and formerly of Waterloo, IA passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at his home. Born and raised in Westgate, Iowa, Bill graduated from Maynard High School. He had a lengthy career with John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, Iowa. He starting his career in the plant and worked his way up, becoming a Process Engineer and retiring in 1984. After his retirement, he worked as a Project Engineer for Cummins Engine in Jamestown, NY. Completing the project, he returned to Waterloo.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy on submarines USS Chopper 342 and USS Marlin T-2 during the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Crisis. While in the Navy, he played semi-pro football for the Key West Jaguars. In 1959, he married Marlys Fennern of Vinton, Iowa. They have 2 children, Mike and Kris. After his naval duties, they relocated to Waterloo where they lived from 1961 until 2010 when they moved to Vero Beach after being snowbirds for the last 16 years.

His memberships included First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Elks Club, American Legion, and Amvets. He served as District President for the National Exchange Club. Bill was an active member of the Masons. He was a member of Martin Lodge #624 in Waterloo, York Rite Masons, Shrine, Scottish Rite, and High Twelve Masons. He held numerous positions including Master of Martin Lodge and Secretary of the Temple Board. Bill also held State and National Masonic Positions including Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons in Iowa. Internationally he served as Deputy Grand High Priest, North Central Region and Grand Master of the Second Veil, Royal Arch Masons International.

Bill was an avid sports fan, football being his favorite. He was a serious Denver Broncos fan. Family was by far most important to Bill. He loved being active in his children and grandchildren's lives. Bill was married to the love of his life for 56 years.

Bill is survived by his wife Marlys; son, Michael Eugene (Marie) Kauten of Alma, WI; daughter, Kristine K. Leonard of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren: Nicholas, Zachary, and Quinn Kauten of Alma, WI and Megan, Erica and Emily Leonard of Shawnee, KS; sister, Evelyn Lockard of Maynard, Iowa.

A Masonic Service and a Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 PM, July 12, 2015 at the Cedar Falls Masonic Building, 212 1/2 Main Street, Cedar Falls. IA 50613.

Memorials should be sent to the family at 2930 2nd Place SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968. Online condolences may be made to www.coxgiffordseawinds.com .