Byers, William 'Bill' J.

William “Bill” J. Byers, 78, of Iowa City, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with burial to follow, with military honors, at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, and after 9a.m. Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bill's memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at .

William Joseph Byers was born Feb. 8, 1934, in Iowa City, the son of John J. and Berniece (Lumsden) Byers. He graduated from City High School in 1952, attended the University of Iowa until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict, and upon returning to Iowa City attended the Irish Business College. Bill was united in marriage to Donna Seering on Sept. 12, 1959, in Iowa City. He had worked at Owens Brush, the local Ford Garage, and for over 32 years for the former Moore Business Forms, retiring in 1994.

Bill loved his family, his church and a number of other important things in his life, including golfing at the former Fairview golf course, Highpoint golf course, bowling in the Senior League which he had served as president. An avid City High and Iowa Hawkeye football and wrestling fan, you could usually find Bill walking, driving, sitting down and eating, or just shooting the bull with his buddies or family. He and Donna enjoyed traveling over the years, and he and his family were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church for many years.

His family includes his wife, Donna; their children, Steve (Roxanne) Byers of Oxford, Terri Byers of Iowa City, and Rik (Molly) Byers 0f Riverside; grandchildren, Angela (Dustin) Koberle, Amy Byers, Coleton Byers and Riley Byers; stepgrandchildren, Hannah Bentley, and Zeb and Madison Vrchoticky; a sister, Joan Williams of Iowa City; and of course Bill's two cats, Archie and Dexter!

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Brad; a brother, Johnny Byers;and his sister, Shirley Crew.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bill's family and his services.

Published in The Gazette Feb. 15, 2012.