Bill Machacek

William Dean “Bill” Machacek, loving father and grandfather, passed away on September 12, 2019 following a sudden illness at the age of 72.

Bill was born on April 3, 1947 to Alvin and Frances (Moorhead) Machacek. He attended the Syringa school through the 8th grade and then graduated from Buhl High. Bill then attended Idaho State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business accounting. After college, Bill moved back home to Buhl to help his dad run the Play Palace where they sold and repaired Arctic Cat snowmobiles and Indian motorcycles. Bill’s love for snowmobiles led him to race sleds, earning numerous trophies that we still have today.

Bill later moved back to his childhood home where he took over the family farm. Bill had a daughter, Wendy Machacek, with his first wife Nadine (Reams). Bill met his second wife, Donya (Schmitt) and they raised their three children, Chris Smalley, Julie Smalley and Eric Machacek on the farm.

Bill had a deep love for all things living. He projected this love consistently in every way, from his dedication to the land that he diligently farmed, to the pride he showed towards the tiny hummingbirds that nested every year in the eaves of his porch. He was a dedicated grandfather to his numerous grandchildren and step grandchildren. He treasured and embraced every moment with them and was bestowed the nickname Puba. They never left his house without a Shasta Cola, a handful of Smarties and the latest Farmer’s National Bank annual calendar for the road.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Machacek; mother, Frances Moorhead Machacek; sister, Wanda Marie Machacek Kitzhaber; nephew, Jimmy Joe Alvin Kitzhaber; ex-wife, Donya Machacek; and cousin and best friend, David Machacek. He is survived by his children, Chris Smalley, Wendy Machacek, Eric (Melissa) Machacek, and Julie (Nick) Smalley Martinez; grandchildren; step grandchildren, and extended family.

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave North, Buhl. A graveside will follow at West End Cemetery, 1574 East 4150 North, Buhl.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be sent to the American Cancer Association.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Bill's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.