William "Bill" Whetzell

William “Bill” Whetzell of Creston, Iowa passed away Friday, April 15, 2022 at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 67 years, 2 months and 1 day of age. The family will receive friends at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 5 -7 PM. A private interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery on April 23, 2022. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family’s Tribute Fund. Condolences, memories and contributions can be made online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

William Louis Whetzell was born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 14, 1955, the son of Fred Louis and Myrtle Josephine (Valentine) Whetzell. Bill was raised and educated in the states of California and Kansas. In 1977, Bill located in Creston and promptly earned his GED and attended Southwestern Community College where he received his Associate Degree as a Machinist. In that same year, Bill began working at Wellman Dynamics as a Molder. On September 30, 1977, William was united in marriage in Orient, Iowa to Vicki Lea Sickels. To this union, 2 children were born, Rebecca Anne and Joshua Caleb. Vicki preceded Bill in death in 2003.

Bill worked for Wellman’s a few years and then began working at Hunter’s Jewelry Store as a Jeweler and watch repairman. Later, he worked in the deli at Hy-Vee and then Bunn-o-matic, making coffee grinders. He worked as a Machinist in Red Oak for a few years before returning to Wellman’s as a Pattern Maker. Bill was united in marriage in Creston on April 5, 2003 to Anna Elizabeth Parsons. Due to lingering health issues, Bill retired from Wellman Dynamics in 2011. Anna and Bill would later divorce.

Bill was a long-time member of the Creston Masonic Lodge and Za Ga Zig Shriner. He had many interests and hobbies, including riding his motorcycle, fishing and hunting. Bill was musically talented and played many different instruments like the Banjo and Harmonica. In high school, Bill was a Golden Gloves Boxer where he won many of his fights. He was adopted into the Omaha Tribe when he was younger.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents; his 1st wife, Vicki; 2 brothers: John Whetzell and Grady Autry; and 2 sisters: Iris Runyon and Janice DeMeo.

William is survived by his 4 children: Amelia Pence (significant other, David Piccrillo) of Olathe, Kanas; Dawn (Michael) Marshall also of Olathe, Kansas; Rebecca Whetzell (significant other, Mark Hoffman) of Creston and Josh Whetzell (significant other, April Clark) of Creston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; Bill is also survived by his step-mother, Eileen Whetzell of Pittsburgh, Kansas; brother, John Autry of Kansas City, Kansas; sisters: Karen Young of Pittsburgh, Kansas and Teresa (Joe) England of Arma, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.