William "Bacon Bill" Bergell
July 07, 2016
William “Bill” Bergell, age 55, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his home in Des Moines.
Bill, or Bacon Bill as he was known to his friends, was born March 8, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Irene Bergell. He moved to Des Moines as a boy. His family later moved to Pittsburg, PA where he spent his formative years, before moving back to Des Moines. Bill was employed as an electrician for most of his life, working for Qwest as a technician, but he was an outdoorsman at heart. He lived and breathed nature and loved spending time fishing and hunting. He loved smoking any type of meat and was known for his bacon, where he got is nick-name, “Bacon Bill.” He was a member of Knights of Columbus and Wild Turkey Foundation. William was a selfless person with a passion for helping people. He spent time assisting handicapped hunters and will be remembered as an animal lover and an avid outdoorsman.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; step-daughters, Amy Kelce and Sara (Gary) Jelinek; grandchildren, Xavier, Chase, and Kayden; parents, Robert and Irene Bergell; siblings, Tish Simons, Mary (Jack) Webb, and Daniel (Mary Sue) Bergell; mother-in-law, Marlou Tingle; as well as nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
William was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Giedraitis; brother-in-law, Andy Simons; and father-in-law, John Tingle.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or any organization supporting Handicap Hunters.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bridget Sullivan Roney
07/09/2016
We are so heart broken to hear of the passing of Bill. We remember all of the fun, wonderful times growing up together. May the Lord watch over your Families. Until we meet again.
The Greenaway Family
07/08/2016
We will always remember Bill and his days in school at South Catholic with our sons. Hope the hunting is good in heaven Bill.
Laura Courtney
07/08/2016
My prayers and thoughts to the family. Bill will be missed.
Eric N
07/08/2016
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill, I followed the progress of his smokehouse construction, and learned from the knowledge that he so unselfishly shared with all of us in the Smok'd Up BBQ group. Rest in Peace.
Dave and Diane Tingle
07/08/2016
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Taco
07/08/2016
The loss of my good friend Big Bill is taking a toll on me. He is the kind of guy that can't be replaced. My prayer's go out to Donna, the girls and the rest of the family. God will be enjoying some awesome smoked meats and BACON! R.I.P. my good friend!!!
John And Linda McCaulley
07/08/2016
Our prayers go out to Bill's family and friends. He was a great and funny guy when we met in High School. It was nice to meet him again thru face book, years later. He will be missed.
Lori
07/08/2016
Bill you are going too be greatly missed!!! you where an awesome brothor!! that's what I called you!!! at least last time I seen u I got one last hug and an I love you!!!!
Rich & Pam Martini
07/08/2016
Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Bill was a childhood friend of my husband and a high school friend of mine. We are left with memories of many great times and much laughter. He will remain in our hearts always.
God speed my friend and rest in peace ?? Rich & Pam Martini
Big P w/ Smok'd Up BBQ
07/07/2016
Bill was an incredible man who loved to share. He was always helpful to members of Smok'd Up BBQ wanting to learn to smoke bacon. I'll never forget our conversation. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wonderful family.