William Rosanbalm

William Rosanbalm passed on August 7, 2023 to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born on November 29, 1930 to William “Fate” Rosanbalm and Mary Dean Neff Rosanbalm in Pleasant Hill, MO. He loved telling us that it only cost $25 for in home delivery. Bill has two sisters, Lois Picklar of Basehor, Kansas and Joyce Holmes, deceased.

In 1936 the family moved to Holtville, California, the land of opportunity. Many fond memories of the California adventure and Sunday picnics at Pine Valley and childhood shenanigans were shared. Family needs brought them back to Pleasant Hill in 1940. Bill attended grade school in Pleasant Hill. After moving to Kansas City he completed his education at Central High School while holding down jobs as a grocery clerk and an order filler at Sears Roebuck and Hallmark Cards.

Bill enlisted in the Air Force in March 1949 and trained at Kessler Air Force Base as a Radio Operator with time served in Korea, Tokyo and Iwo Jima. After completion of his overseas tour he returned to the Nebraska Ordinance Plant as a member of the 30th Communications Squadron detachment at Offutt Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged on November 7, 1952.

After purchasing his first new car, he met and courted Lila Potter, who was working in Fremont, Nebraska. A ride in a shiny new car and a good-looking young man was enough to capture Lila’s heart. They soon discovered they worked at the same place. Following a seven month romance, they married during a snowy winter storm on December 14, 1952 and moved to Kansas City.

Two daughters, Becky and Sherry, were born in 1953 and 1955. Fun times ensued and memories started with rocking horses, birthday parties, snowmen making, squirrels, frogs, and kitties adding to the weekend adventures. He loved being the chauffeur for the girls and classmates to the school events. Bill and Lila had the fun house where the kids like to gather.

After several years in Central Electronics Institute and trying his hand at several KC companies, he heard that Bendix was hiring. His long career with Bendix/Allied Signal started in March 1957 in the testing labs. He retired in October 1992. After trying retirement for a short time, he joined Ree’s Contracting Services as a security guard at different government locations around town and enjoyed his time for 14 years.

Bill was a Korean War veteran and served his country proudly. He joined the East Gate Scottish Rite of Freemasonry attaining his 33rd degree. He was active in the Traveler’s Club performing Third Degree ceremonies on a regular basis.

He was also a Noble with the Ararat Shrine. He performed in the many local parades either as a Shriner or a Korean War Veteran, always serving in some way. Knowing he could make a difference to children in need through the services of the Shriners Hospital for Children was very meaningful to him. He loved driving children and families to the hospital for treatments or treating kids to the Shrine Circus.

Bill and Lila were members for 37 years at Ridgeview Christian Church. From Bible School to bus driving, board member and maintenance man, he stepped up wherever there was a need.

Bill was a story teller holding so many memories close to his heart including all of the fine details. He never met a stranger and given time, would figure out how he was related to all.

His pride and joy was being a grandfather to Carrie Feeley (Ed Feeley) and Brent Shouse (Melissa Shouse). Great grandchildren were just the icing on the cake with Kelsey Hampton, Emma Feeley, Paige Feeley, Meg Feeley, Kelly Feeley and Kodi Shouse (Julie), Cameron Shouse, Gabe Shouse, and Allison Shouse.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lila, daughters Becky Shouse and Sherry Ainsworth and all the above. He and Lila happily celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Bill was a man of great integrity and character and will be sadly missed.

Donations to the Shrine Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30354