William Gill

William Gill, 92, of Kellogg, died on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at Nelson Manor in Newton.

A public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.  Face masks will be required for those attending the visitation.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Our Silent City Cemetery in Kellogg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Hospice of the Midwest or to the Kellogg Fire and Rescue, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bill's family online at www.smithfh.com

William Anthony Gill was born the son of Anthony and Alma (Speckner) Gill on Aug. 6, 1928 in Grinnell. The family lived in the Barrett Community seven miles north of Kellogg where he attended rural school. He attended Laurel High School for three years and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1946. During his high school years, he excelled at in drama and vocal music. He attended Capitol City Commercial College in Des Moines.  Following his education, he worked at Kellogg Savings Bank.

Bill was united in marriage to Carmen Ebert on Aug. 24, 1950 in Marshalltown. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Steven and Anthony (Tony). Bill honorably served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict from Nov. 6, 1950 until Nov. 5, 1952.  Bill farmed from the time he returned home from the Army until his retirement. He was active in farming and community organizations such as Farm Bureau and Cooperatives. Following his retirement, he stayed busy gardening, attending NASCAR races, fishing, hunting, attending morning coffee time, Saturday evening card parties, fulfilling the role of mayor of Rushville, hauling cattle for neighboring farmers, participating in parades, and enjoying activities with his children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carmen Gill of Kellogg; two sons, Steven (Sherry) Gill of Chariton and Anthony Gill of Kellogg; grandchildren, Tara Gill, Brian (Crystal Levan) Gill, Justin Gill and Jessie Gill; step-grandchildren, Thomas Kauzlarich, Johnathan (Ashley) Kauzlarich and David Kauzlarich; seven great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Carol Vander Ploeg and Janet Ebert; and brothers-in-law, Vernon Jones and Donald Swihart. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Jane Jones and Dorothy Swihart; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joyce (Russell) Parsons, Charles (Crystal) Lehfeld, Mark Vander Ploeg, and Gael (Bud) Ebert.