Bill Fletcher

Thomas Bill William Fletcher, 90, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Taylor House Hospice. A Rosary service will be at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 23 with visitation following from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 24 at Caldwell Parrish. Interment will follow at the Glendale Cemetery. For Bill, we celebrate his beautiful, and huge life. It was simple. He gave more than he took. To his family, to his friends, to his clients, and to his country. This is who he was and what he did. Bill grew up in Johnston, IA with his parents, Hazel and Glen and 6 other siblings. They lived on Hyperion Golf Course, where he learned to play, and love golf at an early age. He served his country honorably in WWII as a U.S. Marine. Like many veterans of this era, he didnt talk about it, but it was a pretty big deal to be one of many who stormed the beach at Iwo Jima, witnessing the raising of the American flag and survive. When returning from WW II, he found the love of his life and started a journey that was, again, more about what he gave than what he took. A record by anybodys standards, Bill and Liz were married for over 56 years and raised 5 children. He was further blessed with 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Everyone knows that Bill had a major love affair with golf! He brought a real sense of fun, class and style to the golf course! A prince of a man, a true gentleman, and a serious fashionista. In the day, hed often don iconic knickers and argyle socks on the course. He looked somewhere between Lee Trevino and Peter Faulkcigar and all. Bill and Liz saw much of the world together. It was common that their trips occurred over their wedding anniversary and a wonderful surprise to learn that each had packed small gifts for the other so when they arrived at an incredibly romantic place, like Florence, Italy, theyd have a little celebration and a special gift for one another. That said so much about them. Hardworking and well respected, Bill gave everything to his family (when he wasnt golfing) and often, much more. He was a calm and fair father figure. Growing up in our family, it was common for him to offer some stern but simple advice that resulted in quieting boisterous dinners such as; if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. We listened. And sometimes it even worked. Even in the end, he was a tough marinenot willing to relinquish his post. He never complained and was always grateful. He would often say Im so lucky! So now, after the final battle, hes been called to attend the big reunion with his wife Liz and his family who traveled before him; (Mother, Hazel, Father, Glen, brothers, Jim, Berkley, and Sisters Mary, Helen, Betty). Hes survived by his loving brother John and many other wonderfully supportive family members. Bill leaves behind his devoted and loving family of 5 children, (Lisanne, (Dave Mulcahy) Greg, (Colleen) Mike, (Glynis King) Kerry (Steve Weisenbach) & Stacey (Shannan), 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He leaves a giant hole in all of our hearts and in our lives. He will be missed but remembered so well. And so, until we meet again, bye Dad, we love you so much. Thank you for all you gave to us. We wish we had more time. Memorial contributions may be given to The Variety Club The Childrens Charity Iowa.