William "Bill" Bemis

William Edward Bemis, 80, passed away at his home in Grand River, Iowa in the early morning hours on May 9, 2025. Bill was born on May 16, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa to Harold and Mabel Bemis. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1962. After high school Bill hung drywall and then became a supervisor for Ralston Purina in Davenport, Iowa for many years. During that time, he and his former wife had 4 children; Chris, Kelli, Kim and Kirk.

In 1978 Bill moved his family to Corning, Iowa where he purchased the Wayne Feed Store. In 1981, he closed the business and continued his career in sales, working many years for Motorola Communications. In 1987, Bill was Iowa Salesman of the Year.

In 1984, Bill married the love of his life, Bonnie and they were married for 41 years until his passing. In 1990, Bill and Bonnie moved to Reno, NV where he continued his career in sales in the communications industry and then as finance manager for Mercedes Benz and Porche. In 2003, they moved to Las Vegas, NV where Bill opened a successful window covering business, Bill’s Custom Blinds. In 2015 Bill and Bonnie settled back in Iowa to be closer to family. Bill retired full time in 2019 to enjoy his life with Bonnie on their acreage near Grand River, Iowa.

During his years in Corning, Bill enjoyed being involved with the Adams County Speedway as the announcer and as Pit Steward. Bill enjoyed watching Nascar racing, football and generally all sports. He was an avid Steeler, Iowa Hawkeye and Kyle Busch Fan. He also enjoyed his large collection of Coca Cola memorabilia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mabel Bemis; his brothers: Junior, Bob and Don; sisters: Jeanette, Patti, Margaret and Carole (Wendell) Flanders; in-laws: Jack and Luella Johnson, Louis DuChene Sr., Louis DuChene Jr, Beverly and Art Ruud, Ardel Anderson and David Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sons: Chris (Jill) Bemis and Kirk Bemis; daughters: Kelli Bemis and Kim Wilkinson (John Hogan Jr.); stepsons: Eric (Amy) Freeman and Kyle Freeman; sisters-in-law: Brenda Bemis and Joni Bemis; also, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.