Birtcher Sr., Joseph William 'Bill'

Joseph William “Bill” Birtcher Sr., 82, passed away Nov. 20, 2010, at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa. A service and luncheon will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin.

Bill was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Anna Marie Chapman Birtcher and Harle Edward Birtcher. Bill was raised by his mother and stepfather, Delmar Redmond, in Ohio. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan in 1946-47. After Bill was honorably discharged, he attended Ohio State University and later graduated from The University of Iowa. Bill married Beverly Ingham of Tiffin, Iowa, and together raised four children (Bill Jr., Josie, Brad and Jayna). They later divorced. In 1979, Bill married Barbara Clover of Bloomfield, Iowa, and they settled in the Des Moines area.

In 1993, Bill retired from the State of Iowa as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and enjoyed his retirement with Barb. They spent their time together traveling to family events and clowning around at local hospitals and nursing homes. Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 42 (Ankeny), Clowns of America Inc. (Washington, D.C.), Korn Patch Klowns (Des Moines), and Grace United Methodist Church, Tiffin.

Bill enjoyed his family, cooking, clowning, big hugs, reading, poetry, and long discussions, especially about politics and history.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert; and his son, Joseph William Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Bradley Birtcher of Carbondale, Ill.; daughters, Josanna Walker (David) and Jayna Birtcher, and former wife, Beverly Ingham Birtcher, of North Liberty; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to Bill's granddaughter, Jaycianna Ashley, and his wife, Barbara, whose devotion to his care allowed Bill to remain home and enjoy his last few months.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested memorials be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation or Brain Injury Association.