Wilma "Billie" Jean Egenberger

Wilma “Billie” Jean Egenberger, 91, peacefully passed from this life on February 5, 2023, at Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines. Billie was born on August 25, 1931, the sixth child of Earl and Alpha Kittle, in East St. Louis, IL. Her family would move to Marquette, Iowa where she graduated in a class of 5 from Marquette Public School in 1949. Relying on her family and faith in the Good Lord, Billie relocated with her children to Des Moines, IA in 1965. It was there that she retired from AT&T in 1992 as a long-distance operator.

Reading, traveling and going to movies were her favorite pastimes. She originated “bingeing” years ago by watching her favorite TV shows on DVD several times. But, most of all, Billie’s greatest joy was her family. One of eight children, mother of six, and grandma to many, she loved them all. Family reunions with her siblings and their families were treasured memories. As her own family grew, she chose to celebrate Christmas a couple weeks before the 25th saying that anytime she could get her kids together was a holiday.

Survivors include one brother, Raymond (Sandy) Kittle of Prairie du Chien, WI; 6 children, Dennis (Brenda) Haugen of Van Meter, IA, Denise (Ernie) Dauray of Alexandria, VA, Debra (Denny) Earleywine of West Des Moines, IA, Dan (Sherri Peeler) Haugen of DeSoto, IA, Diane Dennis of Elkhart, IA, and Patricia (Denny) Morgan of Ankeny, IA; as well as 24 grandchildren and their spouses, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Billie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Harry, Ruth, Florence, Earla, Bonnie, and Myles; son-in-law, Bob; and great-great-grandchild, Billie, who we know has now met this Grandma and is sitting in her lap.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the service.

Billie’s family would like to thank the staff at Pine Acres and ProMedica Hospice for all the love and care they gave to Billie.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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