William E. Sales, Jr. (1 of 2)
April 14, 2011
William Edward Sales Jr., age 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Surrounded by family, Bill died in his home following a one-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 7, 1944, in Long Branch, New Jersey, where his father was stationed with the United States Coast Guard during World War II. His family soon returned to Des Moines, where he was raised.
Bill is survived by Annette Marie (Rivard) Sales, his beloved wife of forty-eight years. Bill and Annette met while stationed in El Paso, Texas, serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. They were married March 23, 1963. Bill and Annette returned to Bill’s hometown with a baby daughter, where they built their life together through a shared philosophy of hard work and short-lived debts.
Coming from meager beginnings, Bill’s hard work and dedication culminated in his role as Senior Vice President of Lomar Distributing, a local distributor of gourmet and specialty foods owned by Hy-Vee. Bill made himself a success through his incomparable work ethic. He began his career as a salesman with Feinberg Distributing, among others, and soon moved to Lomar, at the time a relatively small, family-owned business.
His career, which spanned forty years, was an integral part of who he was. He was proud of his position and consistently demonstrated an example of loyalty and obligation to all those with whom he did business. Bill had a keen eye for products with potential for success. Even when he wasn’t working, Bill never missed an opportunity to network. His family was often witness to his easy transformation from “Bill” to “Bill Sales, Lomar Distributing,” marked with a kind handshake and a genuine smile.
Bill enjoyed traveling for business and recreation. He loved riding his Harley, especially with Annette in the passenger seat. Together they racked up miles from Florida to the Black Hills to Nevada to Wyoming. In less than six years, his motorcycling passion grew from two wheels to three and he left rubber on forty-some thousand miles of U.S. Highway.
The opening of walleye season in Wisconsin was always a special event; he rarely missed a chance to go fishing with his brothers-in-law and nephews. He shared many a holiday and special event with his wife’s brothers and sisters, and his friendships with them were as strong as any blood relation.
Around home, Bill could often be found tinkering with one project or another. Together, Bill and Annette were undaunted by home improvement tasks of any size; be it landscaping, yard work, remodeling, and even the occasional Harley upgrade.
(continued as William Sales Part 2)
Christine Young-Denny
04/18/2011
Annette, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. My heart is with you my friend. With Prayers, Christine Young-Denny MS PT
Paul McShane, Emmi Rith Kase USA
04/18/2011
What can I say about Bill that was not siad in the obituary. I have known Bill for over 20 years and from a business standpoint, what a gentleman to deal with. He was very fair, open, honest, and a genuine pleasusre to be around.
I know that Bill will be sorely missed by not only myself, but by his family, freinds,co-workers, and the people he dealt with in his eveyday life. Rest in Peace.
Shari Lyons
04/18/2011
So sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Your memeories will last forever and Bill will always be a part of them. With deepest sympathy. Shari Lyons(surgery center East)
John & Mary Rivard
04/17/2011
Bill we miss you. We were blessed to have had those few days with Bill before he peacefully and with dignified grace entered into the Kingdom of our Lord.
Our times with Bill were always memorable, filled with laughs, BIG FISH stories, and of course his silly quips "Come on Martha", "Well, Hello Honey Bunny" or "How's things in Westconsin". Bill was a big man with an even bigger heart, he and Annette were always there in times of need for all of us.
He is a special Brother-In-Law and an extra- special uncle. His memory will live in our hearts forever. The "Opener" isn't going to be the same with out you Bill!
Annette, Lisa & Will - He has no more battles to fight and is at peace through
his belief in Christ his victory is your victory.
John & Mary
Mary Atha
04/17/2011
My sympathy goes out to all of Bill's family. He was a good friend to Phil and me for many years. He will be missed by many. I imagine that he & Phil have "met up" again and are having some good times!
Rod and Trish Bean
04/17/2011
Annette, you do not know us but I sure knew Bill very well. Bill was always a fun person, hard working person and a gentleman to be around. I was a District mgr for years with Hy-Vee and Bill was a great asset to our company. He was always there to help and work hard with a smile! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate Bills life. Rod and Trish Bean