Royston, William 'Bill'

William “Bill” Royston, 62, of Hills, died in his home, surrounded by family, after a brave battle with cancer on Sept. 14, 2009. Per Bill's request, his body was cremated. An informal memorial service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a supper will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (209 Brady St.) in Hills on Wednesday. All who wish to pay their respects or share stories are invited to attend.

Bill was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 1946, to Jack and Goldie (Schropp) Royston. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1963, before graduating from City High School in Iowa City in 1964. He served active duty for the Navy in Vietnam from 1963 to 1965, after which he served in the Army National Guard for 22 1/2 years, retiring a Sergeant First Class (E7). He felt honored to have served his country, and proudly displayed car magnets and hats showing his pride for the USA.

His career highlights were selling insurance for 10 years with Woodman Accident and Life, lifelong work on cars, and working at the University of Iowa for 15 1/2 years. He retired from the University on July 22, 2008.

He will be remembered for his love of animals, loyalty and generosity to family, quick wit, practical jokes, ability to fix or do anything he set his mind to, and gratification in serving his country. His hobbies included restoring classic cars, building and racing stock cars, cooking and feeding his family, and finding treasures to give to loved ones. Bill also enjoyed his home in Hills where he displayed artwork, clocks and a peaceful pond.

Bill married Irene Eckrich in 1969, and they had two children, Clint of Des Moines and Wendy (Chad) Berry of Iowa City. He is survived by, missed, loved, and forever in the memory of his parents Jack and Goldie Royston of Iowa City; sisters Sandy (Larry) Romer of Muscatine, Jill and Kelly Royston of Iowa City; children Clint and Wendy; and Bill's pride and joy, his grandchildren Christian and Jackie Royston of Des Moines and Burke and Mardie Berry of Iowa City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa City Hospice, whose compassionate care sustained our family. Online condolences may be made at