Bill Billy M. Reese

Bill M. Reese, 83, passed away May 6, 2016. He was born on April 3, 1933 in Jewell, IA. Bill is survived by his wife Joyce, son Billy (Bette) Reese, son-in-law Bill Zweber, daughter Tami Witte, daughter Teri (Jerry) Wonderlich, son Todd (Rhonda) Reese, son Rob (Clairen) Reese, son Ron Reese, sister Betty (Herb) Halleland, sister-in-law Helen Reese, 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Talton Ben and Ruth Pauline (Smith) Reese, brothers Robert and Howard, sister LaVonne Hanline, and daughter Rebecca (Becky) Zweber. Bill met Joyce Marrington in Webster City in 1950. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1954. On October 11, 1952, he eloped with Joyce and they were married again at a family ceremony on December 28, 1952. They moved to Des Moines in 1954. Bill graduated from Drake University with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1958 and passed his CPA exam in 1960. He started his accounting career with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in 1958 and eventually opened his own firm, Reese & Company P.C. in 1971. He has served in leadership positions in multiple organizations, including President of Des Moines Chapter of the National Association of Accountants, President of the Rotary Club of West Des Moines, Treasurer of Rotary District 6000 and Rotary District Governor. Bill was an active member and elder in his church. He loved to carve wood, care for animals, garden, camp, travel and read constantly. A memorial service was held on May 23, 2016 at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy, beginning with visitation at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:30 a.m. and luncheon following. A private burial was held at Jordan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation or West Des Moines Christian Church.