William Dale Homrighausen of DeWitt left his earthly home Saturday, July 20, 2024, to rejoin Shirley, his beloved wife of 35 years, parents, family and countless friends. He had reached age 99, living a wonderful, blessed life.
A funeral service will be held at the DeWitt United Methodist Church Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.
Bill was born March 12, 1925, at Jane Lamb Hospital in Clinton, the only child of Edward and Mary (Duke) Homrighausen. He spent his first five years on the family farm near Grand Mound, a period he described as the Dark Ages — without electricity, running water, central heat or an indoor bathroom.
His parents moved to DeWitt so Bill could begin kindergarten. He graduated from DeWitt High School with the Class of 1943. He was confirmed in the DeWitt United Methodist Church in 1935 and as a loyal member over the years, served on many committees and in many capacities.
After graduation, Bill was employed by Iowa Mutual Insurance Co. His career spanned 42 years, culminating in retirement in 1986.
Community was very important to Bill. He was the sideline announcer for the DeHawks football games for 25 years and a basketball timekeeper for 16. He was a member of the Saber Athletic Boosters and was inducted into the Central DeWitt Hall of Fame. He served as Clinton County Fair Board and County Club Show treasurer for 25 years and was inducted into their Hall of Fame upon his retirement.
Bill was a devoted collector and saver all his life. His largest and most prized collection featured Marilyn Monroe after he and Shirley attended an auction of Monroe’s possessions in New York City, and it was the focal point of two galas. He also had sizable collections of autographed photos and baseballs, timepieces and other memorabilia, much of which he had donated to the Central Community Historical Museum. Growing up in the Big Band era, Bill had a lasting fondness for the sounds that were recorded on his large library of albums and CDs, which he gifted to the DeWitt Community Library. He was a member of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Society and the Catfish Jazz Society.
The highlight of Bill’s life was meeting Shirley Davis, a journalist with the Quad-City Times newspaper. They were a perfect match from the very beginning, sharing a love for life, laughs, fun and adventure. They were married in 1983, and their lives together included world travel, concerts, Plus 60 events and joint philanthropy through scholarships and generosity to many worthwhile projects.
When Bill was nominated for the American Society of University Women’s community service award, his nominator described him as “Mr. DeWitt,” a moniker that stuck with him and became a lasting tribute to his love for the local community. Later, he would go on to write over 100 essays for the local newspaper about his life growing up in the community. The collection eventually was published in a book titled, “They Call Me Mr. DeWitt.”
The Clinton County Bar Association presented its prestigious Liberty Bell Award to Bill in 2005, recognizing his service to God and country, and he also received a Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2006.
Bill was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports and a proud member of the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce.
He was a 56-year member of the DeWitt Noon Lions Club, had been named Lion of the Year and was honored with many service plaques. Bill was a member of Crossroads Masonic Lodge, Clinton Consistory and Kaaba Shrine.
He served on the board of the Elmwood Cemetery Association for 50 years and was president of the board of United Manor Senior Housing, a joint project of three local churches. The sole male member of the DeWitt Hospital Auxiliary, Bill prided himself for his fundraising efforts through Birdies for Charity for many years.
Bill was addicted to people. Likable, loyal and loving, he enjoyed his many friendships as well as getting to know newcomers. He was a prolific correspondent and spent much of his time typing letters, sending cards or reaching out by telephone call. He seldom forgot a face and more than likely, he remembered something significant about each person he met.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and many relatives. Survivors include several cousins as well as his companion cat, Murray, and a host of friends and citizens of his beloved DeWitt, the place he called home and loved deeply.
Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous or a charity of the giver’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.
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