William Allen Thayer

William Allen “Bill” Thayer, 82, of Calamus, Iowa, died Monday morning, April 20, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.

William Allen “Bill” Thayer was born September 29, 1932, on the family farm in rural New Hampton, Iowa, to Merle and Florence (Wittenberg) Thayer.  He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1950. Bill joined the Navy where he was wounded serving in the Korean War.  He returned to the family farm and worked in various jobs before moving to Calamus and taking a position with the Clinton County Secondary Road Department as a motor grader operator, retiring after 27 years.  Bill was united in marriage to Roma Jean Crabtree on November 1, 1958, in Center, Texas.

Bill was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Calamus, and a 53 year member of the Magnus Petersen American Legion Post #466.  He enjoyed puttering in the garage, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels, and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of almost 57 years, Roma, he is survived by his children, Bobbi Jo (Craig) Schaffnit of Waterloo, Michael Allen Thayer (deceased), Craig (Roxanna) Thayer of Moline, IL, Christi (Brian) Miller of Calamus, Carla (Wally) Emmert of Delmar, Curt Thayer of Davenport; foster-son, Andrew (Judy) Davis of Waterloo; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and one (Willa Jean) due in July; siblings, Don (Su) Thayer, Donna (Don) Tjaden, Clair (Deb) Thayer, Clarence (Cathy) Thayer; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Merle (Toni) Thayer.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2015, at Schultz Funeral Home, Grand Mound, Iowa.  A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with Chaplain Bruce McNeely officiating.  Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Calamus.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Dr. Laureijs and Genesis Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.