William "Bill" McCollaugh

William “Bill” McCollaugh, 72, ended a long and courageous dance with cancer on Friday, January 20, 2017. He was surrounded with family and loved ones.

Bill was born March 17, 1944, to John and Faber McCollaugh in Hampton, Iowa. He grew up and graduated from Klemme High School (’62) in Klemme, IA. He attended University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1966, and Drake University, where he earned his Master's degree in 1972. From there he relocated to Des Moines and started his 37 year tenure with Des Moines Public Schools. He worked in many of the Des Moines area schools including North, Tech, and East High School before moving into an administrative role at East High School. Bill went on to become principal at Goodrell Middle School. In 1991 he moved to Hoover High School, from where he would “retire” in 2003. Bill’s “retirement” was short lived. In 2004 he added 3 part time jobs to his calendar, which over time he managed to whittle down to one. He loved and kept that job with the First United Methodist Church in Ankeny until the end. Bill was frequently heard saying “I grew up poor; if there is a dollar to be made, I am going to make it,” which was a mantra he lived by his entire life.

His work ethic was second to none, but his first priorities were family and faith. He was active in all parts of the children’s lives and spent countless hours coaching and watching games. Bill loved spending time camping, attending numerous sporting events, traveling and tailgating at the Iowa Hawkeye games. It wasn’t just being at the events, he merely just enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a strong relationship with God. He lived out his faith every day.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kirsten, his 3 children, Jennifer (Allen) Jones, Erik (Bryony), Matthew (Kalie), and 2 step-daughters, Kelsey Teeter and Breanna (Jake) Belay. Bill has 9 grandchildren, Jared, Cassandra and Abigail Jones (Jennifer), Camden, Caden, Colton, Collin (Erik), Olivia and Hudson (Matthew) McCollaugh.

Services will be held at Ankeny First United Methodist Church (uptown location), 206 SW Walnut St, Ankeny. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2017. Interment will take place at Lincoln Cemetery in Ankeny.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Above and Beyond Cancer. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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