James W. "Bill" DeSmidt

NAME: James William (Bill) DeSmidt

BORN: December 12, 1956, DEATH: December 8, 2025

PARENTS: Robert L. DeSmidt and Mildred E. (Johnson) DeSmidt

SIBLINGS: Robert (Toby) DeSmidt, Sandra (Garry) Chase, Pamela (Greg) Anderson

PRECIOUS TO HIM: Nieces & nephews: Kim, Karla (Brian), Jason, Tonya (Frank), Angela (Leto), Karry (Stephanie), Jana (Mark), and Matt; Great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SPECIAL DEAR FRIENDS: Deb Shepherd, Quentin Kooiker and the Desert Rats

Bill was raised on the South side of Fort dodge. Spending many days at the Oleson Park in the summer swimming, riding the old steam train and exploring the woods.

He attended Butler Elementary, serving on the school patrol team in the 6th grade. Delivered the Des Moines Register while attending South Jr. High. Graduated in 1975 from Fort Dodge Senior High.

In April of 1975, Bill began his military career with the Air Force Reserves delayed enlistment at the Des Moines Induction Center until September 11, 1975. He attended 6 weeks basic (training) at Lackland Air Force Base. Security police law enforcement training & combat skills, technical training until January 1976. Transferred to Edward Air Force Base in California. Assigned and worked as law enforcement in the 6510th security police squadron. While at Edwards he was involved with testing many new and future aircrafts including B1 Bomber, F16, F15 (fighter planes).

Bill developed lasting relationships with fellow air men through “Desert Rats”, Eddie’s Airplane Patch, and the 6510th security group. 1978 Bill transferred to Offutt Air Force Base 3902nd SPS (Security Police Squadron). Received honorable discharge from the Air Force on September 10, 1979.

Following his military service, Bill worked for Hardee’s Restaurants in Iowa then New Mexico. Returned to Iowa and worked at NW Bodies in Mason and Precision Plastic in Humboldt.

Bill pursued higher education, earning an Associate's degree from IA Central Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Business from Buena Vista University.

In 1999, Bill began working for the State of Iowa, serving as an accounting clerk at Vocation Rehabilitation and later as a Workforce Advisor at IA Workforce Development. He retired on December 19, 2019, after 20 years of service.

Bill was a proud member of AFSCME council 61 and Local 3450. He served as a Contract Negotiator, Trustee, and Treasurer.

Bill cherished his family, friends, and animals. He had a remarkable gift for remembering family history and historical events.

The family extends their love and gratitude to the staff at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. This includes the Malloy 3 South team, Brandy, Chaplains: Amy and Angela, Commandant Todd Jacobus and many others that cared for him. The friendships Bill formed at IVH including his lunch gang, were deeply meaningful to him. God Bless and watch over everyone.

-Lovingly written by his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a family-led memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Cambridge United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Iowa. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown is caring for Bill and his family.