William "Bill" Fred Van Vliete, Jr.

William Fred Van Vliete Jr., son of William and Evelyn (Scott) Van Vliete, was born on March 27, 1939, in Moline, IL. He was raised by loving parents. He graduated from United Township High School in East Moline, IL in 1957 and enlisted in the US Navy serving 4 years as a hospital corpsman. Both of his grandfathers were railroad conductors on the Rock Island Lines and Bill worked various clerical jobs there. He met his wife Marilynn late in 1963 and they were married in June of 1964. They were blessed with two daughters Elizabeth and Bonnie. Bill graduated from the University of Iowa and entered the field of interior design, where he met many wonderful people and had great experiences working in multiple states during his 50-year career. He was loyal to his clients who often became good friends. Bill and Marilynn moved from Bettendorf, Iowa to Des Moines in 1999.

Bill had a gentle manner and an engaging smile, and he loved people. As a child, he often stopped in to visit family and friends as he made his way home from school. This continued throughout his life. It was common for him to stop and tell a stranger that he admired their flowers and come away with a gardening tip or to visit with neighbors as he walked the dogs. He loved to laugh and could be counted on to share a joke or a story. During their 58 years together, Bill and Marilynn created a loving, welcoming home. His keen eye for design extended to his garden where he loved to grow flowers.

Serving on the board of the Perry Lutheran Home for the Aged for 9 years, he received the Board Member of the year award in 2019 from Leading Edge Iowa. During his tenure on the board and after, Bill focused on updating the facility to make it more appealing to prospective residents.

He was a Stephen Minister for 6 years at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and felt valued helping those in need.

Above all, Bill was a loving husband and father. He passed away at home on October 9, 2022, after suffering from cancer of the esophagus diagnosed in January 2022. This has been a difficult year and he yearned to be with Jesus. Heaven is sweeter, knowing he will be waiting.

He is survived by his wife Marilynn, daughter Elizabeth and husband Brian McConville of Pequot Lakes, MN, sister Jeanne (Jim) Smith of East Moline, IL, and brother Jan (Pat) Van Vliete of Bettendorf, IA, and their families. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonnie Van Vliete.

The family will greet friends Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the memorial service following at 12 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 NW Aurora Avenue in Urbandale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Perry Lutheran Homes, 2323 Willis Avenue Perry, IA. 50220, or to a service you hold dear.

Print