William "Bill" Charles Burgeson

William Charles Burgeson, the son of Charles Edward and Velma Marie Shultz Burgeson, was born May 8, 1944, in Spencer, IA. Bill received his education in Royal and graduated from Royal High School in 1962.

Bill married Carol Lyster on July 26, 1969 in Linn Grove, IA. As newlyweds, they lived in a farmhouse just down the road from where Bill grew up. Soon after, they moved into the town of Royal where they raised their daughters, Michele and Natalie, and lived in the same home on Long Street for 45 years. Bill had a great love for his hometown of Royal and the farmland that surrounded the small community. He was always happiest in Royal, and whenever he had to leave the friendly confines of Clay County he was always anxious to get back home.

In the early years of his career, Bill farmed and then worked for Rudy and Lois Beck and Elsie Bailey on their farms. Bill later joined the crew at Group 21, which became Mid Plains. Feeding cattle there with friends who became family was his joy for almost 20 years. Later he delivered propane for the Royal/Everly Co-op for over 20 years until his retirement. He always enjoyed visiting with people as he made his deliveries.

It is without a doubt that his favorite “job” title was Master Gardener. In his retirement, Bill could be seen from sunrise to sunset tending to all things that grow from a seed. His tomato crops were unmatched in both deliciousness and volume. Bill invented the concept of a “community” garden, but in his garden, he was the only one who was allowed to do the work. The Royal community was rewarded with all of the benefits, as he welcomed everyone to come help themselves to his bountiful harvests. It was a true testament to his work ethic and generous nature. Sharing his vegetables gave him the perfect chance to reconnect with the members of his community that he loved dearly and took great pride in.

Through the years Bill was an active member of the Royal Lions Club, City Council and was a leader in bringing the Royal Museum to life. He also spent many hours driving golf carts as a way of giving back to another one of his favorites, the Clay County Fair. The fair provided him with an opportunity to display his award-winning produce, which was entered under the aliases of his grandsons Brock and Gabe. They won many fair ribbons without any of the work that goes into it. Papa Bill was also a title that gave him a great sense of pride. He enjoyed watching Brock and Gabe in their many sporting activities over the years and was #1 babysitter when Camden arrived in 2016.

On July 14, 2025, Bill passed away at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; his son, Scott Allan; and two brothers; Tom and Rick.

Bill was a picture of all things that are good in this world. He mastered the art of keeping things simple and had a deep love for his family, his town and the entire Royal community. He will forever be remembered this way by his two daughters: Michele (Tim) Stiles of Altoona, IA and Natalie (Gary) Gunnerson of Peterson, IA; his grandsons Brock and Gabe Stiles and Camden Gunnerson; sisters: Alene Roth of Fort Dodge, IA and Bonnie (Alfonso) Guerrero of Peoria, AZ; sisters-in-law: Cheryl Burgeson of Royal, IA, Jill Meyer of Spencer, IA and Colleen Lyster of Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at a later time.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Methodist Manor and Gentiva Hospice for the love, kindness and compassionate care they gave Bill and our family over the past six years.

Memorials shared with the family will be used to purchase a bench at the Clay County Fairgrounds in memory of Bill.

Other donations in Bill’s memory can be made to:

• Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal, IA
• Royal Museum in Royal, IA
• Memorial Park in Royal, IA
• Gentiva Hospice in Carroll, IA