Brighton, William R. (1952-2014)

BRIGHTON, KNOER, COOPER, MCJUNKEN, BRODEUR

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/4/2014 at 15:45:15

Des Moines Sunday Register, November 30, 2014

William R. "Mr. Bill" Brighton died peacefully on November 26, 2014 at age 62 of cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014 at Ankeny Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at 2:30 p.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery in Williams, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday with a 7 p.m. rosary service at Ankeny Funeral Home.

Bill was born to Harold and Bernice Brighton on October 2, 1952 in Webster City, Iowa, the 3rd of six children. He grew up in Williams, Iowa before moving to Ankeny in 1968. Bill graduated from Ankeny High School and served in the United States Army from 1972-1974. Following his service he pursued his education to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Drake University in 1982.

On December 23, 1972 Bill was united in marriage to Kristina Knoer and the couple was blessed with two children, Shawn and Celeste. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, fishing, camping and was an avid San Francisco Giants fan. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed a good meal.

Bill will be sadly missed, but never forgotten, by his wife Kristina; son, Shawn (Angela) Brighton of Ankeny; and daughter, Celeste (Josh Cooper) Brighton of Des Moines. He is also survived by his mother, Bernice Brighton of Ankeny; siblings, Veronica Brighton of Iowa City, Margaret (Curt) McJunken of North Richland Hills, TX, John (Ann) Brighton of Des Moines, and Steve (Carla) Brighton of Des Moines. He also held a dear spot for his three step-grandsons, Nick, Mitchell and Carter Brodeur; many nieces, nephews, friends and his two dogs Quigley and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Brighton; sister, Rosemary; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Bill never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand and support to anyone who asked. He was most proud of his kids and family and he never met a dog he didn't like.