Joseph William Birtcher, Sr.

Joseph William "Bill" Birtcher, Sr., 82, passed away on November 20, 2010 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa. A service and luncheon will be held Saturday, December 18, 1:00pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin, Iowa.

Bill was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Anna Marie Chapman Birtcher and Harle Edward Birtcher. Bill was raised by his mother and step-father Delmar Redmond in Ohio.

Bill enlisted in the US 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 DC),Korn Patch Klowns (Des Moines), and Grace United Methodist Church, Tiffin, Iowa.

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, IL, daughters Josanna Walker (David) and Jayna Birtcher, and former wife Beverly Ingham Birtcher of North Liberty, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren.

A special thank you to Bill's granddaughter Jaycianna Ashley and 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.