William "Bill" Clayton Birchard

     William Clayton Birchard, the son of Carl and Virta Isabell (Prentice) Birchard, was born June 11, 1933, in Lake Center, Iowa.  His childhood years were spent in Spencer, where he received his education, graduating from Spencer High School in 1952.  He was a member of the 1^st Spencer basketball team to earn a trip to the State Tournament.

     Bill married Gretchen Parks on July 6, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer.  Following their marriage, they continued to live in Spencr, where he worked in the warehouse at M & JR Hakes in Laurens, IA.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer.  He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family.

     He passed away at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the age of 88.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gretchen in 1997; his son, Carl; a grandson, Tyler Paul Tewes; and his siblings: Ralph, Ronald, Cecile Noteboom, Carol Williams, Ruby Hemmingson, Rose McGuire, Ruth Rupert and Carrie Tuttle.

     Left to cherish his memory are his children: Laurie (John) Tewes of Sioux Rapids, IA; Heidi (Sam) Chapman of Spencer, Gregory and his wife, LaDonna and Cari (Jeff) Crooks all of Spencer; 15 grandchildren: Matt (Shelby) Chapman, Emily (Chris) Axdahl, Adam (Sarah) Chapman, Jacob (Rochelle) Chapman, Brady (Kayla) Tewes, Jordan (Brooke) Tewes, Josh (Monica) Birchard, Jason Birchard, Nick (Michelle) Birchard, Nate Wise, Chris Wise, Ben Wise, Mike (Heidi) Crooks, Brandon (Brittney) Crooks and Phil (Alex) Crooks; 25  great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law: Madelon DeVries and Lorraine “Sis” Birchard; other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

INTERMENT