William David Purtzer

William “Bill” Purtzer, 66, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 26, 2021. A visitation with no family present, will be held at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. 1st St., on Wednesday, March 3, from 4 to 6 pm. Masks and social distancing required. A private family service will be held at the Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, March 4 at 10:30 am. The family invites Bill‘s friends to join them virtually by visiting this link: https://olih-church.squarespace.com/mass

Burial will be held following the funeral service at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bill was born on April 7, 1954, to Dr. J.W. and Betty (Carson) Purtzer in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from Greenfield High School in 1972, he completed his degree in Food Marketing from Iowa Central Community College. Bill was united in marriage with Paula Emery on September 10, 1977 in Gilmore City, Iowa, and they became parents of twin daughters, Erica and Jocelyn.

Bill was a proud employee of Fareway Stores for 36 years. He had the ability to initiate a conversation with anyone. He’ll be remembered for his love of long drives, enjoying winters in the South, Lake Okoboji and summer vacations, his loyalty to the Iowa Hawkeyes, and attending local sporting events. He enjoyed time on the golf course, being a member of the Nevada Jaycees, bowling, classic rock, and playing with his grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Purtzer.

Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paula; father, Dr. J.W. Purtzer; daughters, Erica (Sayer) Martin and Jocelyn (Christian) McGee; grandchildren, Leighton and Campbell Martin, Jonah, Nevin, and Cael McGee; sister, Ann (Dan) Frost, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions for Bill Purtzer can be addressed to his family for later distribution.