William Cockrum

William “Bill” Cockrum, age 81, of Perham, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at the Perham Memorial Nursing Home.


William James “Bill” Cockrum was born May 16, 1929 , in Tanner, MO, to David Earl and Gwendolyn Cockrum. He spent his early years growing up on a farm in Missouri with his parents, sister, Jean, and brother, Don. In 1944, Bill moved to North Dakota where he met Mildred Skramstad. They married on June 20, 1948 , and began their life together in Nome , ND . On November 15, 1951 , they were blessed with a daughter, Annette.



Bill was well known to farmers in the Nome and Enderlin areas where he sold International machinery and Ford vehicles for over thirty years. Bill would always tell you red tractors run best! Forever a farm boy at heart, Bill also owned a herd of beef cattle.



In 1974 Bill and Milly moved their red tractors and beef herd to Minnesota to be closer to their daughter. In cowboy boots and a hat, out with his cows who came when he called, on horseback or in the tractor is where Bill felt most at home. When he wasn’t farming, Bill enjoyed a good western novel or spending time with his family including two granddaughters and four great grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as “Grandpa Frogger.”



Bill is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughter, Annette (Wes) Maudal; two granddaughters, Amanda (Ryan) Sansness and Kathy Jo (Leon) Pfingsten; four great grandchildren, Andrew, Seth and Bree Sansness and Hallie Pfingsten; sister, Jean Peterson; nieces, Reg Peterson and Connie Thielen; and nephews, Jeff Peterson and Reo Cockrum.



Preceding Bill in death are his parents, David Earl and Gwendolyn; brother and sister-in-law, Don and June Cockrum; and brother-in-law, Cal Peterson.