Billy Joe Rote

Billy Joe Rote
February 28, 1959 - December 3, 2020

Billy passed peacefully in his sleep at home on December 3rd, of known complications due to Cancer.

Billy's life was the military; to him the Army was his family. He enlisted in the US Army in October of 1978, choosing a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 51B: Carpentry and Masonry Specialist. This career path sent him to many US locations over the years as well as other regions spanning the globe from Panama to the Middle East. Billy served with the 47th Engineering Company at Fort Wainwright, Alaska as well as the 23rd Engineering Company out of Fort Richardson, Alaska while on active duty with the Army and has never stopped talking about it.

In January of 1985 he left active duty, and pursued a career in the civilian world. It didn't fully suit him so in 1990 he made some calls to the local Army Reserve unit and joined back up on a part-time basis with the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Fort Des Moines, IA. He continued to drill with different Reserve units over the years until finally retiring in 2011 with nearly 33 years of total service to the US Army and Army Reserves.

Billy rode his bike everywhere. He maintained a tremendous level of personal physical fitness both during and after his time as a Soldier. He was an enthusiastic tinkerer and worked on all sorts of different machines, especially his bikes. He always loved two-wheeled vehicles over four, with the exception of a choice El Camino. He had a contagious laugh which was instantly recognizable by family and friends and will always be unforgettable to the loved ones he leaves behind. His favorite drink was Coca-Cola Classic, and basically nothing else would do.

There will be a graveside service in Billy's honor for family and friends at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC) at 12:30 pm on Thursday December 17th, 2020. This will include a military honor guard provided by the United States Army and the playing of "Taps". The address for IVC is: 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr. Adel, IA 50003.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joann and Bill Rote Sr. Billy is survived by his sisters: Connie Beckley and Michelle "Mickey" Robb, his brother Mike Rote, 5 nieces and nephews and 5 great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local chapter of Des Moines AMVets, DAV, VFW, or American Legion of choice.

Family and friends are invited to call Mickey Robb (515) 421-3205 or Mike Rote (515) 991-9221 if you wish to connect and share memories or stories of Billy.

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