William F. "Bill" Tubbs

Bill Tubbs, 75, former publisher, philanthropist and longtime supporter of the North Scott community, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, September 27th at the Eldridge United Methodist Church and one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 28th at the Fine Arts Center at North Scott High School in Eldridge. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

William F. (Bill) Tubbs was born in Clinton, Iowa, Oct. 12, 1948, to Grace (Dyer) and Edward L. Tubbs. He was raised on the family’s Heritage Farm near Elwood, Iowa, where he was active in 4-H and was an all-conference athlete and musician, graduating with honors from Delwood High School in the Class of 1967. 

On Nov. 22, 1970, he was married to the love of his life - Linda Zoe Long at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural communications and served in the Iowa Army National Guard for six years. Later he was able to participate in an Honor Flight, he also served as an Honor Flight Chaperone twice. 

In 1971, Bill & Linda moved to Eldridge, where Bill became publisher of the North Scott Press and later the Wilton-Durant Advocate News and the West Liberty Index. He believed success was best achieved when stakeholders have accurate information, and he dedicated his life to that principle, providing opportunities for many journalists who became difference makers, including a future Pulitzer Prize winner. 

The NSP became one of the largest circulating weekly newspapers in the Midwest. The newspaper was named Iowa Newspaper of the Year in 1979, and in 1995 Bill was named an Iowa Master-Editor Publisher, the highest individual award in his profession. He also received the National Newspaper Association’s James O. Amos Award for distinguished leadership to his community and the community press, and Iowa State University’s James W. Schwartz Award for distinguished service to journalism and communication. 

The NSP won first in the Nation for Community Service and Best Coverage of Local News in 1997, and Bill’s “Impressions” column was judged first in the nation for both Best Serious Column and Best Sports Column.

Bill served as president of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, the Iowa Newspaper Association’s executive committee and board, and was active in the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. 

ISU Extension named him “Iowa Citizen of the Year” for community leadership, including work that led to the opening of the Eldridge Community Center/Skatepark. He served on his town’s economic development committee and was president of the Eldridge Businessmen’s Association. The Press was named “Business of the Year” by the Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce in 2003, and he was named a Friend of Scott County Extension in 2004. 

Bill coached youth softball for 15 years and was a founder and race director for the Moonlight Chase. He is an honorary member of 4-H and F.F.A., the Scott County Cattlemen’s Association, and was recognized for service to the Mississippi Valley Fair. Bill and Linda were charter members of Eldridge United Methodist Church in 1972. Bill was a member of the Davenport Chordbusters Barbershop Harmony Society.

Bill and Linda were general chairs of a campaign for a new Scott County Library headquarters in 2003, and with their lead gift to that project, named its community meeting room “First Amendment Room”. Their philanthropy also included major gifts for the Library’s Bookmobile, the North Scott YMCA, and many other Eldridge and North Scott projects. The couple also funded scholarships at Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Scott Community College and the North Scott Educational Foundation. 

Bill’s other passion was service through Rotary International. In 1973, he became a charter member of the Rotary Club of North Scott. He has personally sponsored more than 70 new members. In June 2003, the Rotary Club of North Scott announced the formation of the “William F. Tubbs Honor Rotarian Award” for new members.

Bill and Linda have been involved with Rotary Youth Exchange and Group Study Exchange. He has received the Rotary International Public Relations Award and helped establish sponsorship of the Mississippi Athletic Conference sportsmanship awards.

Bill was on a Friendship Force mission to Soviet Russia and Estonia in 1985 and attended seven Rotary International conventions. He was on a team that provided humanitarian service in Xicotepec, Mexico, and was part of a 10-member team that traveled to Nigeria, to help eradicate polio.

Bill is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Benefactor and a member of the Arch Klump Society-which recognizes the Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors. He was a charter member of the Foundation’s Bequest Society and the District 6000 Paul Harris Society and served as District Governor. 

Bill’s other affiliations included Iowa State University Alumni Association, Scott County Hospice Care director, Amnesty International, Southern Poverty Law Center, Friends of IPTV, One Human Family QCA, and charter member of the North Scott Chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). 

His greatest passion was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren and cheering them on through their various activities and found great pride in their many accomplishments. 

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his daughters, Aimee Tubbs of Seattle, WA, Anne (Matt) Olson of Urbandale, IA, and Alisa (Joseph) Sleep of Verona, WI; as well as six grandchildren, Clara, Nolan, and Ella Olson, and Ava, Nora, and Jacob Sleep. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve (Chris) Tubbs of Delmar, IA, and Al (Myrna) Tubbs of DeWitt, IA. Bill leaves behind 11 nieces and nephews, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Scott Rotary Foundation or the North Scott Educational Foundation.