William “Willy” Gingles 1928 - 2016

GINGLES, KOLP, TAYLOR

Posted By: Connie Swearingen - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/17/2016 at 14:39:25

Onawa Democrat
20 January 2016

William “Willy” Gingles, son of Dr. Earl E. and Sarah Francis (Kolp) Gingles, was born September 21, 1928 at Omaha, NE. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at his residence in Whiting, IA at the age of 87.

Willy grew up in Onawa, IA and attended most of his schooling there. During his high school years, he attended Kemper Military School in Boonville, MO and graduated from high school in Sioux City, IA. He then attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA and later the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.

On June 12, 1950, Willy was united in marriage to Marlene Joan Taylor in Onawa.

Willy served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War until being honorably discharged.

Following his time in the military, Willy and Marlene made their home in several communities and he worked various jobs. Willy worked for an insurance company in Omaha, NE before going back to college to become a teacher. He taught art at Maple Valley Community Schools for several years. Willy and Marlene owned at operated Willy’s Restaurant in Onawa and his last job was serving as the Executive Director of the Monona County Commission of Veterans Affairs.

Willy was very active in the Onawa Congregational Church and a member of the American Legion. In his early years, he was a Mason, helped build the first Lewis and Clark Discovery Boat and was involved with the Onawa Community Theater. He was very artistic and loved to paint. Over the years, Willy had a special way of reaching out to help troubled kids.

Willy is survived by his daughter, Ann Ruth Womack and husband Eddie of Onawa, IA; two grandchildren: James Malfoy and spouse Josh of Omaha, NE and Robert Schustek of Omaha, NE; one sister, Louise Falk of Onawa, IA; one brother, Donald Gingles and wife Marilyn of Palm Coast, FL; nieces; other relatives and many friends.

Willy was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Marlene; son, David Gingles and brother-in-law, John Falk.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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