William C. Mikesch

William “Bill” Clayton Mikesch, age 84, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, with family by his side.

Bill was born August 22, 1939, in Hancock, Michigan to Clayton and Helen Mikesch. He was a graduate of Hancock High School and Grandview (College) University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1960. Bill moved to Des Moines in 1961 to play hockey for the Des Moines Oak Leafs. This is where he met the love of his life, Cleoda “Cleo” Mary (McMahon) Mikesch. On April 20, 1963, Bill and Cleo got married. They had two sons, Michael (1967) and Matthew (1969). Bill worked for Bishop Engineering for 42 years until his retirement. He was a longtime member of the Chesterfield Christian Church and currently a member of The Well Covenant Church, which he attended since 2001.

Over the years, Bill was an active volunteer in the community. He enjoyed volunteering for the youth of Iowa, assisting with AAU basketball and state tournaments, offering his surveying skills to help develop the Grandview Little League Baseball fields in the early days, supporting the East High Booster Club’s activities and events, and working the professional golf tournaments that came to Des Moines. Bill, humbly, supported many organizations and charities. Additionally, he enjoyed playing golf with his friends and family, and attending his bible studies. Bill cherished his annual trips to Hancock, Michigan, his hometown, and loved spending a couple of weeks at camp on Portage Lake, with his family. Bill was a devoted fan to his entire family whether he was making trips around the country, watching on his computer, attending locally, or even traveling to Europe to watch their games, events, or performances.

Bill is survived by his son, Matthew Mikesch and his wife, Heather; granddaughter, Emily (Mikesch) Gutzmer and her husband, Nick; grandsons, Jacob and Clayton Mikesch; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sue Mikesch; sister and brother-in law, Joanne and Paul Armistead; sister, Virginia Gute; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Matt Shafer; sister-in-law, Pauline McMahon; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews on both sides of the family, all of whom he greatly loved.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Cleo, parents, and son, Michael.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2023, at The Well Covenant Church, 2625 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2023, also at The Well, and will conclude with burial at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to The Well Covenant Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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