Charles "Bill" Backstrom
March 27, 2012
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Service Details
Charles “Bill” Backstrom passed away on March 27, 2012, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Bill was born on November 12, 1929, in Des Moines, to William and Lucille Backstrom.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948, and went on to serve his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Bill worked for Meredith, sold real estate for Darwin Smith Reality and served as a travel agent at Travel Center. He loved the south side and was well known in the community as a “father to many, who never knew a stranger.” Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending Lincoln sports and traveling with his wife Mary. He was a member of the Bellizzi MacRae American Legion Post #659, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Lincoln Alumni Club and helped establish the Lincoln Foundation.
Charles is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Cheryl Moureau, Karen Steward, Steven Backstrom; grandchildren, Jeremy(Amanda) Steward, Jason (Kaci) Steward, Jordan Steward; great-granddaughter, Harper Steward; and brother, Reed (Donna) Backstrom.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Sharon Kay Backstrom, Linda Backstrom and sister, Lillian Hull.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 2. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with burial following at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, with a Vigil Service starting at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lincoln High Alumni Association or Furry Friends Refuge, 1211 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, 50265.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Craig Warfield
04/05/2012
I am very sorry for your loss. I t is a very difficult time to get through. Just remember how wonderful your father was. He was like Mr. South Side. He was a great friend to my father at the Legion. Take Care All. Karen I hope to see you some time soon.
Kate Allegra
04/01/2012
A wonderful man who always had on a smile. He will be missed dearly. Sincere condolences to Mary and the family.
Sally Seekins
04/02/2012
Mary,
My prayers go out to you at this tme.
You and Bill were great friends over many years we lived on the South side.
We enjoyed many cup of coffee together in our kitchens trying to take on the world. Those were great days.
Just know I am with you are in my thoughts at this time.
Sally Seekins
Carolyn Kerby (Mundell)
03/31/2012
Mary:
I saw in the paper that Bill has went to be with The Lord. I want to express my sympathy to you and your children.
You probably won't remember me as it's been way too many years for you to do so. I worked with Bill when Darwin Smith Realty first came into operation. Bill was a salesman (even sold us our first home) and I was the company's secretary.
Seeing Bill's picture in the paper brought back very very good memories - one awesome memory was of being in your home for taco's and being with all your children when they were very small.
Mary, I remember Bill as being truly an example of a very good good man. I am sure you and your family will miss him horibly.
May our Heavenly Father walk with you all thru this difficult time and may he also bless you all as I am sure he is doing for Bill in his new home.
Carolyn Kerby (Mundell)
The Elton Family
03/30/2012
As I read the obituary for Mr. Backstrom, I was truly impressed by the outstanding and full life he lived. Never-the-less, 82 years of life is still much too short. How thankful we are that our grand Creator, Jehovah plans to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including our loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Matthew 6:10; Job 14:14 & 15). Please accept our condolences as you deal with the loss of Mr. Backstrom and contemplate the hope of seeing him once again.
Earl and Ruth Winkleman
03/29/2012
Dear Mary and family.
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. As you kmow, Bill and I have been friends since 3rd grade at Howe school.A greater frend would be hard to find. Always upbeat regardless of circumstances. A kind word and a great smile was one of his trademarks and we will always remember what he meant not only to us, but to all those he met.
Our loss has been heavens gain.
God bless the Backstroms
Tracy and Steve DeVenney
03/29/2012
Mary, Karen, Cheryl, and Steve,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how hard it is to lose a dear loved one.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Tracy
Curt and Linda Smith
03/29/2012
Mary and family,
It was such an honor to know Bill. He had an infectious smile and truly loved his family. We know Harper Lou brought a smile to his face and he cared deeply for her. We are happy to celebrate his going home as we know he is with our Lord and Savior. God's arms are wrapped tightly around him.
We love you all!
Chuck Shockley
03/29/2012
My profound sympathies to the Backstrom family. Bill Backstrom was one of the all time great "south siders" in the history of Des Moines.
Some years back he had me speak to a dinner of the Lincoln Alumni Association.
He will be sorely missed. Lots of empathy to Cheryl and Karen whom I went to high school with at Lincol in the late 1970's.
Carolyn Lenhart
03/28/2012
I am truly thankful to have known your dad all of these many years and shared quite a few laughs with him. A truly wonderful man who was very kind to me and my family for years. A man who always asked about Kylie and Brian even if I was talking to him on the phone. A man who always asked about my mom as she struggled with cancer and who came to her funeral and made me laugh. A friendlier person you would never have found anywhere. We will all miss him dearly family, friends, Lincoln High School and the WHOLE southside. I am grateful to have known him and my thoughts and prayers go out to you! I love you bunches!