Billy Luse

Billy L. Luse passed away on Sunday, August 13th at Mary Greeley Medical Center with his niece, Jennifer by his side, after a long battle with various health problems. A family-led Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 19th, 2023 at the Olde Timer Tavern from 11:00 until 2:00.

Billy was born in Marshalltown on January 28, 1956. He was the youngest of 3 boys born to Harold and Kathleen (Ryner) Luse.

Bill received his education in the Marshalltown School system. He was then drafted into the Army. He served at Fort Carson, Colorado until he got sick and was honorably discharged. After the service, he worked at Hy-Vee following his father’s footsteps but later went to work at Lennox Industries and remained working at Lennox Industries until his retirement. While working at Lennox Industries, he was an active member of the UAW.

In his younger years, Billy loved to play slow pitch softball, hunt, and fish. Later in life, his hobbies turned; smoking food, and making delicious desserts that he often shared with his friends. He was also known for holding a wooden spoon and stirring the pot. After his retirement, he began to travel the state, eating all the food he shouldn’t and always bringing some back to share with his friends at the garage or the Pour House.

Over his life, he owned lots of dogs, but his love of his life was his last dog, Sage the Pomeranian. Billy could be seen pushing her around in a stroller at car shows, at the local bars, and around town. He never left home without her. She gave him a reason to get up each day. After her passing, he started taking care of the stray cats in town. Each night, he would make sure he had food and water out for them.

In the last year, his passion turned to putting up spinners on the fence to make his corner look nice. Almost daily, you can catch someone taking a picture or video of all the beautiful spinners he had placed up on the fence. Some people even stopped and asked to purchase them.

Memorial money may be directed to the family and donations to the Animal Rescue League and the Laurel Lioness will be made in memory of him.

Per Billy’s request, some of his and Sage’s ashes will be placed in a Living Urn and planted at his niece, Jennifer’s house. The remainder will be spread in Cancun as that was his favorite place to travel to.

Billy is survived by his brothers, Gene of Newton, and Randy of Albion, his nieces Dena and Tim Vipond of Robins, Jennifer Anderson of Marshalltown, Mindy and Shane Brown of Anamosa, his nephews Danny of Marshalltown and Brian of North Liberty. He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews and his great-great nieces and nephews, and his friends at Verg’s garage and the Pour House.

In death he joins his trusty companion Sage, both his parents, his uncle Mike Scadden.

The family would like to say THANK YOU to all that cared for him; especially LeAnn Knoop, Dr. Merchant, Dr. Fulton, Dr. Olberding and their staff. Also a huge thank you goes out to the staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center ICU, Ella and Jayiden, that cared for us in Billy’s last hours. You are true heroes and never will be forgotten.

-Lovingly written by the family