William Bischof

William J. Bischof, 73, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 7, 2008, at the Glen Echo Christian Church (4323 Douglas Ave.) in Des Moines at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at 2:00 P.M. at the Brethren Cemetery in Panora, Iowa. The Family will greet friends Sunday, January 6, 2008, from 3 to 6 P.M. at Hamilton’s Westown Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Bill was born to William and Nellada (Jackson) Bischof on May 19, 1934, in Spencer, Iowa. The family then moved to Panora, Iowa where he later graduated in 1952. On May 12, 1962, he married Sandra Sue (Kading), in Des Moines and from this union had a daughter, Sharon. Bill worked for Equitable of Iowa for 44 years as a Group Manager. During this time he shared some of his favorite pastimes, music and sports. He belonged to the men’s chorus at Equitable and later played softball and basketball for the company teams. He and his wife Sandy enjoyed a bowling league and Bill even went to a tournament in 1984. He was a member of the Glen Echo Christian Church in Des Moines where he served many years as a deacon and elder. He shared his passion for sports here as well, nicknamed the “Gazelle” playing for their softball team. Whether he was a spectator or participant he enjoyed his games. After his retirement in 1997 he enjoyed biking the trails surrounding his home, cheering for his Hawkeyes, and vacationing with his family. His favorite trips were to Mackinac Island, Michigan and Duluth, Minnesota. Even during his later struggle with COPD he found the strength to participate in Pulmonary Rehab and the Iowa Heart and Lung games where he also won medals. A devoted husband and father he was the best.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; daughter, Sharon (Steve) Rohde; grandchildren, Robbi, Katherine, Nicholas and Nathan; daughter Ellen Bischof; son, Gary (Thayme) Bischof; step-granddaughter, Amanda; and step-great-grandson, Dominic; and many other extended family members. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, half-brother Norman Bischof and half-sister Gladys. Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League or the Iowa Lung Association.

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