William "Bill" Van Kirk

William "Bill" Van Kirk, 86, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, at The Willows of Marshalltown under the care of Hospice of the Midwest.

A visitation for Bill will take place on Thursday, August 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service beginning at 7:00 P.M. All attendees are encouraged to dress in casual attire. A family-led graveside service will also take place on Saturday, August 5 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Iowa City. Military honors will be provided by the Coralville American Legion. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born King William Van Kirk on November 17, 1936 in Anamosa, Iowa, he was the son of Howard and Della (Palmer) Van Kirk. After graduating from University High in Iowa City, he honorably served his country in the Army National Guard. Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene Rose Neuzil, on November 30, 1957. The couple made their home in Marshalltown, where they raised their four children.

Bill worked several jobs over the years, including Ken Wise, Gra-Iron and 21 years at Emerson-Fisher Controls. He loved vehicles and driving, and his favorite job was driving the city bus for 10 years until his official retirement. A jack of all trades is how to describe Bill Van Kirk. He could always be found outside. He could fix just about anything! Years of working in the Buick garage, he could tell you what needed to be done on any vehicle. Plumbing problems, if not too deep, he’d figure out. Lawn mower wasn’t working, he would get it working before you knew it. Bill always volunteered to help any neighbor with any task and loved doing so.

Bill spent many years umpiring for the Marshalltown Little League and high school softball, and refereeing football, sometimes coaching kids. Raising four children in Marshalltown is so different than 50 years ago. Sports were a huge factor in our lifestyle. Basketball on the neighbor’s driveway, baseball in our backyard where one of mom’s tomato plants was third base, or tennis on 16th Street shouting “Car” when we needed to scramble. Where ever we were in the neighborhood, one thing was certain was the ear piercing whistle of our father, Bill Van Kirk. We could hear that whistle even in the neighbor’s basement. This was our signal to come home. It was either meal time or some chore had to be accomplished before we headed back outside.

Weekends consisted of get-togethers with aunts, uncles and cousins. Many games of euchre were played. This is when the ribbing of Bill’s real name would be brought up: King William Van Kirk! It’s a name many of us didn’t know until we were older; we always thought his name was Bill. It’s a strong name and always brings a smile to family and friends. The Iowa Hawkeyes and his love for his family and grandchildren is seen in his eyes. And his trademark of teasing and joking with you is always a sign he likes you.

Left to cherish his memory are his four children: Douglas (Robin) Van Kirk of Iowa City, Dennis Van Kirk of Marshalltown, Debra (George) Gardner of Wapello and Dusty (Jennifer) Van Kirk of Marshalltown; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Martha Van Kirk; and several other relatives.

In eternal life, Bill is reunited with his beloved wife Darlene, his parents Howard and Della, and his siblings: brother Max Van Kirk, half-brother Bud and half-sister Ardis.

- Lovingly written by the family