William Gilsdorf

A true American Hero, William “Bill” Gilsdorf, 91, of Marshalltown, Iowa and formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Iowa Veterans Home. Per Bill’s wishes cremation rights have been accorded and services are pending at this time. Memorials in Bill’s name may be directed to his family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bill and his family. William Bryce Gilsdorf was born on February, 27, 1928 to parents William Henry and Emma (Cody) Gilsdorf in Seneca, Kansas. He was one of 11 born to the family and considered to be the true middle child. He grew up in Onaga, Kansas on the family farm. He attended school through his eighth-grade year in Onaga. In 1950, Bill served his country proud in the United States Army from 1950-1953 in the Korean War.  He was united in marriage to his beautiful bride Margaret Hemphill on March 25, 1970 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He continued working for the Post Office after the two were married where he later retired from as well as working on the oil pipelines throughout the country. In his free-time, Bill enjoyed going square dancing with his wife, going deer hunting, fishing, playing chess and backgammon, serving his church as a bus driver for Sunday school and as an usher, making deer jerky, spending time with his children and family, and teaching everyone his own signature word, acumpukie. Left to remember carry on his memory are his wife of 50 years Margaret Gilsdorf; his children Michael (Trish) Moffatt, Katheryn (Jim) Shadden, Vanessa (Robert) Cunningham, and Tina (Charles) Deaton; grandchildren Amber (Michael) Moore, Samantha (Brett) Gibson, David (Emily) Riley, Michaela Moffatt, Eric (Charity) Covey, Kara Conrad, Lindsey Covey, Lee Braswell, Daniel Moffatt, Jessica Shadden, and Trevor Higgins; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and his siblings Phyllis Miller, Jack (Ruth) Gilsdorf, Kenneth (Mary) Gilsdorf, and Joe Gilsdorf. In death, Bill is rejoined with his sons Timothy Gilsdorf and Christopher Moffatt; his grandchildren Michael Moffatt and James Shadden Jr; and his siblings Carol, Lavena, Henry, Myron, Wilma, and Paul.