WILLIAM F. PIRTLE 1947 to 2009

PIRTLE, FORRESTER, SNUGGS

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 4/11/2011 at 18:46:24

RURAL CARLISLE Area.

William F. "Bill" Pirtle, 62, found peace Friday, September 25, 2009 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, corner of Scotch Ridge Rd. and Highway 65/69. Visitation will also be held at the church Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Born September 15, 1947, to Bill and Luetta Pirtle, his early years were fondly spent living in Chariton, Iowa. A job change took the family to Bethany, MO. where he graduated from South Harrison High School. Following graduation, Bill attended N.E. Missouri State Teachers College (Truman State) and became a history teacher in the St. Louis area.

Bill has enjoyed being an auctioneer for the past 30 years. Doing the area's farm and estate sales was a weekly event. He also enjoyed giving back to the community by doing numerous benefit auctions throughout Iowa.

Knowing that retirement years were approaching, he had taken a part time position as a pathology lab courier for the Iowa Health System. He very much enjoyed the travel on his work route and the many people he met at each of his stops. Even more pleasure came with the friendships he was forming and the camaraderie the group shared. He saw the job as a perfect retirement.

Another large part of his family life was the Iowa State Fair. Bill ran the General Store for almost 20 years. He was very well known for the sale of the largest State Fair pickle and a Sarsaparilla Drink. Preparing for the fair, driving his 1950 green pickle van in the fair parade and being in the general store visiting friends was the highlight of every summer.

His wife, Regina and two sons of whom he was so very proud survive Bill. Will (Molly) Pirtle of Norwalk and Jason (Marra) Pirtle of Ankeny. It gave him great joy to share his love with grandchildren, Hunter, Gianna, and Reese. A sister, Sandra Sue Forrester of Des Moines; one Aunt Betty Snuggs, four nephews, and many cousins also survive him.

He knew no strangers, and was a friend to all.

taken from the Des Moines Register; Monday, September 28, 2009; Section A, page 13, column 4.