Bill Lee Bushong
Bill Lee Bushong
Bill Lee Bushong
October 23, 1939 – August 1, 2021
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 81
Bill Bushong, 81 of Montezuma passed away Sunday morning, August 1, 2021 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. Bill Bushong died this week, surrounded by family in a building constructed, in large part, by Bushong Construction, the business he founded in the Fall of 1970. He was born in Montezuma, Iowa, the son of John and Opal (Johannes) Bushong, and younger brother of Kenneth Bushong.
Bill grew up on the outskirts of Montezuma in a farmhouse with his parents and Kenneth. He lost his parents at a young age, but they lived on through Bill, a storyteller for the ages.
Bill graduated from Montezuma High School with his beloved class of 1957, and despite his aunts’ urging that he attend college, Bill set out to work for (Dick) Bowers Construction after graduation, until starting Bushong Construction, which is still in business over 50 years later.
Bill was a proud father of son John and daughter Connie, from his first marriage to Judy Simmons (m. 1960).
On April 14, 1990, Bill married Janet Gwin, his wife of 31 years. Bill and Jan resided in Montezuma, steps from his namesake business, their entire married life.
Bill was an active member of the community and philanthropist. He joined the Army reserves in 1958, served on the Star Buildings presidents council for 10 years, and was a lifelong Shriners and American Legion Post 169 member.
Bill never took a day for granted. He loved to travel (touting trips to all 50 states), and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and New York Yankee fan. He loved people, made new friends everywhere he went, and cherished his countless lifelong friends. Bill was eternally proud of and a hero to his grandchildren. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his humor, wit, championing of the underdog, unmistakable laugh, and infinite generosity. Those that didn’t know him will walk the halls of homes and structures he proudly built for decades to come.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jan Bushong; his children: John (& Christy) Bushong and Connie (& Mike) Durr; his grandchildren: Vanna Bushong, Chase Durr, Jenna (& Margo) Durr, Victor Bushong, Vincent (& Rebekah) Bushong and Vance Bushong; and great granddaughter, Ruth; his step sons, Craig (& Gina) Bryan and Eric (& Nicole) Bryan; his step grandchildren: Damon Bryan, Brittany Bryan, Mitchell (& Shaylin) Bryan, Quintin Bryan, Andrew Bryan and Monika Fetzer; and step great granddaughter, Tori; his sister-in-law, Beverly Bushong; and his nieces and nephews: Phyliss Rodgers, Cheryl Mitchell, Diane Crittenden, Mike Bushong, Rex Bushong and Brenda Moore.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal (Johannes) Bushong; and his brother, Kenneth Bushong.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma.
Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Friday, August 6, 2021 at the Community Hope Church with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital or the Unity Point Hospice.
Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Bill Lee Bushong, please click here to visit the Holland-Coble Funeral Home Sympathy Store.
