William "Bill" Barnes

William “Bill” Barnes, 74, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  

William Richard Barnes was born August 31, 1950, in Clinton, Iowa, to Richard “Dick” and Virginette (Minnaert) Barnes. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in DeWitt and was part of the last graduating high school class in 1968.  Bill was honored to attend Boy’s State his junior year, selected by the faculty of St. Joseph High School based on the virtues of honor, courage, loyalty, scholarship, and service in all school activities. After high school, Bill attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating with a business administration degree. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, whose values emphasize personal growth, leadership, development, and community involvement. Bill attended Creighton Law School for one year before becoming involved in local and national political campaigns in Omaha.  

In 1979, upon the death of his father, Bill returned to DeWitt to help manage the family business, Barnes Foodland. Along with his brothers, he helped build on the success of the then 30-year business, until its sale in 2015. In 1998, Bill was elected to the Board of Directors of DeWitt Bank & Trust, Co. serving in that capacity until his death. He relished his time with the bank and was especially proud it served DeWitt and the surrounding communities as a true “community bank.”  

Bill resided at Crystal Lake, a few miles outside of DeWitt. He loved the quaintness and serenity his lakefront property provided. He spent many hours sitting on his porch enjoying his morning coffee or afternoon beverage, the birds and other wildlife. He loved to swim, as those at the fitness center know — he even had a special lane and was known to swim laps for up to 1 ½ hours at a time.  

Bill was extremely philanthropic. He supported many local non-profits including the DeWitt Community Library, St. Joseph School, DeWitt Referral Center, and LincolnWay Community Foundation, to name a few. There were many other causes he routinely supported, including those on state and national levels.  

Surviving are his siblings, Anita Boenig of Danville, California, Michael (Cindy) Barnes of DeWitt, Pamela (Mike) Burke of Omaha, Nebraska, Patrick (Joyce) Barnes of DeWitt, Gregory (Sheri) Barnes of DeWitt, Brian (Kathy) Barnes of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; 17 nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply; and his special friend, Mary Dolan.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law, Bob Boenig, and great-niece, Camila Barnes.  

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at MercyOne Genesis Hospitals in DeWitt and Davenport, Fieldstone of DeWitt, and Genesis Hospice, who cared for Bill in these last few months. Your care and compassion for Bill and our family members is much appreciated.  

Memorials may be directed to MercyOne Genesis Hospice and St. Joseph School.  

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com  

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