Billy Roscoe “Bill” DeHeer, age 87, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Bill was born on August 6, 1932 in Red Rock, Iowa, the son of Harry “Duke” and Charity Faye (Ruckman) DeHeer. He grew up and attended school in Red Rock until the 8th grade. Bill started working with his dad after school and then worked for the railroad. He became employed at Maytag and then joined the United State Navy. Bill proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict for 4 years. He was a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Swenson. He then joined the Iowa Reserve for 4 years. After his service, he went back to Maytag and retired in 1982.
Bill was united in marriage to Yvonne “Bonnie” Cecil on May 30, 1956. They were blessed with four children, Frank, Vint, Stan, and Jo Ellen. They were married until her passing on October 3, 1994. Bill was remarried on February 23, 2000 to Ilene Little. They were married until her passing on October 6, 2007.
Bill was a former member and past president of the Eagle’s, and a former commander of the V.F.W. Bonnie and Bill loved to dance. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing cards and dominoes. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville beginning at 3:00 P.M. Bill’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Winfield Funeral Home. Burial services, with military honors will follow at Ruckman Cemetery in rural Knoxville. Following burial, a luncheon will be held at the V.F.W. John Myers Post #3519 in Knoxville.
Those left to cherish Billy’s memory include his children, Frank (Robin) DeHeer of Knoxville, Vint (Margie) DeHeer of Knoxville, Stan DeHeer of Knoxville, and Jo Ellen (Earl) Beal of Harvey; step-children, Chris (Dave) Moody of Bentonville, AR, Rodney Kendall of California, and Ted Johnson of Des Moines; siblings, Phillip DeHeer of Oskaloosa, Ina (Mike) Simpson of Monroe, Jean Cecil of Knoxville, Bonnie Wilbur of Knoxville, Jane Shore of Knoxville, and Becky (Larry) Breuklander of Pella; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Harry “Duke” and Carity Faye DeHeer; wives, Yvonne “Bonnie” DeHeer and Ilene Little; siblings, Ila, Leroy “Sox”, Carol, Leslie, Delmer, Robert, Gary, and Harry, Jr. and Melva Jean in infancy; grandson, Jeremy; and granddaughter, Michelle.
Memorials may be given in Bill’s memory to Quality Home Health Care in Knoxville, and V.A. Central Iowa Health Care System.