William "Bill" Fien

William Dale Fien August 1, 1945 - October 14, 2024  William “Bill” Dale Fien loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus with family by his side on October 14, 2024 at the age of 79.  Bill was born to Abe and Anne Fien on August 1, 1945 in Artesia, California. He grew up on a dairy farm with his brothers Bobby and Rich and sister Patti. Bill went to Valley Christian School where he excelled in sports including Football, Basketball and Baseball.   This began his lifelong love of athletics. Many hours were spent in the stands watching games. He was his children and grandchildren’s biggest fan - always so proud of them and they knew it. Generously sharing stories of their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. When he couldn’t be there in person he would be checking scores and stats online.   While in High School he was at a bowling alley where he met Donna Highstreet who would become the love of his life. They were married on January 15, 1965 and spent nearly 60 years together. In 1966 they moved from Artesia to Chino. Bill worked on his father’s dairy milking and feeding cows. In 1966 they were blessed with their son Brian followed by daughter Vicki in 1969 and daughter Leslie in 1971. He went in to the dairy business with his father-in-law Al Highstreet and brother-in-law Alden Highstreet in 1972.  He enjoyed playing a lot of basketball in those early Chino years. Coaching and cheering on B & G softball was a highlight for him. Racing boats was a fun hobby that he enjoyed with his brother-in-law and sister Bob & Patti Camping. Fishing trips and vacations to Clear Lake were always a highlight with the Highstreet family.  In 1995 Bill moved the family dairy to Wendell, Idaho where they would build a life in a community that he came to love. After the dairy sold he became a seed salesman - a job that he was born to do. Golf played a huge role in his daily life. He loved his Clear Lake Country Club friends and enjoyed helping plan the member guest tournament every year.   Bill was larger than life, loved big and cared deeply. He used his whole face to smile. You could feel the joy and love he had in his big hugs. He never met a stranger; fiercely loved his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. If you knew Bill you likely heard a story about one of his grandkids …. more than once. He never preached a sermon but lived them out often in the way that he cared for people. He had a knack for connecting with people and making them feel special and important. Many considered him their honorary grandpa.  Bill, Billy, Dad, Uncle Bill, Papa, Big Papa and Papa Idaho will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving and patient wife Donna. His son Brian Fien and daughter in law Tracy; grandchildren Laura Fien, William Fien and wife Krystal. Daughter Vicki Dykstra and husband John; grandsons Johnny Dykstra and wife Kirby, Brandon Dykstra and wife Bekah, Justin Dykstra and wife Sara. Daughter Leslie Ligtenberg, grandchildren Natalie and Wayne Ligtenberg. He adored his Great Grandchildren and was Big Papa to Blaiklee and Jaicelyn Fien; Papa Idaho to John Rhyan, James, Eli and Luke Dykstra; Carter, Braylin and Bella Dykstra.   A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at 10am at Twin Falls Reformed Church. A luncheon will follow.   Bill had a love for his community so in lieu of flowers please make a donation to Twin Falls  Reformed Church missions fund or the JAE Foundation.