William Guenther

WILLIAM EDWARD GUENTHER

Washington

William Edward Guenther, 86, of Washington, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, after declining in health. Celebration of life services will be at 11 a.m Friday, Aug. 23, at Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Erin Kaye officiating. Military honors will be accorded by Washington American Legion Post 29. General calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Private family interment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be sent for Bill's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Bill was born Dec. 22, 1932, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Alta (Carter) Guenther. He graduated from Washington High School in 1950. He then joined the Marine Corps in January 1951 and served during the Korean War. Bill was honorably discharged in January 1954. He married Alberta Zieglowsky in 1955. They later divorced. Bill was later united in marriage to Carolynn Schantz Gardner on Jan. 4, 1992.

Bill worked for Culligans from 1954 until 1965. In 1965, he bought the DX franchise and delivered bulk fuel for several years. He owned and operated a bicycle repair business for many years. Following the sale of the DX franchise, Bill worked for Messer Oil until 1992, at which time he and his wife started their own lock and key business. After 22 years, he sold the business due to declining health. Bill was a school bus driver for the Washington Community School District for many years.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Washington. Bill was a Washington County special deputy for 16 years. He had previously belonged to the Wayland Antique Tractor Club and Ducks Unlimited.

He is survived by his wife, Carolynn Guenther of Washington; son, Jeffrey Guenther and wife Deb of Ottumwa; and three stepdaughters, Pam Nebergall and husband Gary of Lebanon, Ore., Penny Johnson and husband Ed of Salem, Ore., and Donna Miller and husband Terry of Brighton. He also is survived by grandchildren, Grady Guenther, Hanna Summers and husband Ryan, Danielle Miller, Mackenzie Miller, Tiffany Nebergall, Jessie Johnson and Wendell Nebergall; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Lloyd Phillips; sisters, Maxine Zieglowsky and Phyllis Molkenthin; and stepbrother, Donnie Phillips