Willard "Bill" Wallace

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Ankeny Funeral Home with burial to follow at 12:30 p.m. at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday at Ankeny Funeral Home.

Bill was born on August 27, 1936 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Willard and Charlotte (Horan) Wallace. He grew up in Ottumwa and received his education at Ottumwa Walsh Catholic Central High School. Following graduation Bill enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in November 1954 and then enlisted in the Army National Guard in February 1956. He graduated from Officers Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armor, in July 1959.

Bill has held various command and staff positions in the Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. He has served in the 34th Infantry Division, 47th Infantry Division, 103rd Support Brigade, 1st Battalion 410th Infantry, 88th United States Army Reserve Command and HQ 205th Infantry Brigade. Bill commanded the 1st Battalion 410th Infantry from March 77 to March 79 and also commanded the 205th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Brigadier General Willard L. Wallace proudly served his country 34 years when he retired in 1989 from the United States National Guard Army Reserve.

While serving Bill also continued his education at Drake University and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Management. Bill began his working career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman. The company later became U.S. West and he retired in a management position after being employed for over 30 years. Bill had been retired for 45 minutes when he accepted a position with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as a Financial Advisor which is where he fully retired after 25 years in 2010.

On December 31, 1955 Bill was united in marriage to Eva May Sandeen. The couple made their home in Ankeny since 1966 and were blessed with four children, Mike, Michelle, Matt, and Nick. Bill was an avid golfer and could be seen playing at various courses in the area. He also enjoyed woodworking, pistol shooting competitions, and playing blackjack with friends. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with Eva and his entire family who all held a special place in his heart.

Bill will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years (three weeks shy of 59 years), Eva; children, Mike (Linda Locker) Wallace, Michelle Houser, Matt Wallace, and Nick (Maia) Wallace; grandchildren, Kenny (Krysta) Houser, Cheyenne Houser, and James Wallace; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Grant and Trae Houser; brother, John (Bonnie) Wallace; sisters-in-law, Gaynele Sandeen and Joyce Sandeen; brother-in-law, Gene Huff; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Fred Sandeen; and a sister-in-law, Gayle Huff.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery where Bill served on the cemetery board, or Habitat for Humanity.