William P. Kestel

William P. Kestel, age 89 of Storm Lake, Iowa died Saturday, August 31, 2019 surrounded by his loving daughters. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a rosary at 5:15 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. all at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. He was born December 29, 1929 on his family’s farm near Storm Lake, the son of William Michael and Mae (Grigsby) Kestel. Growing up, Bill attended a one room schoolhouse, Hayes Consolidated School, and later graduated from Storm Lake St. Mary’s in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Stead Air Force Base in Reno, NV. His time in the service brought him lasting memories and many stories. He proudly served his country for two years until his honorable discharge. On January 3, 1953, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Alice Smith at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Together they were blessed with four daughters, Colette, Alice, Lisabeth “Libby”, and Ann. A man of faith and a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bill supported all aspects of the church and school including being a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, delivery trips for SOS, and attending numerous school activities while his children were growing up. Bill began farming as a young boy and never lost his love for being on the land and on his tractors. Airplanes were always a big interest to him. He could identify the model and year of any airplane he saw. Living next to the airport he often spent time there watching the airplanes and talking with the hanger staff and pilots. Other cherished memories were his many travels with his wife Mary, including trips to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. He loved coffee with his friends, going on tractor rides, and participating in the AmVets Honor Guard. Probably the thing that Bill was best known for was his kind and gentle nature. As he greeted people he was quick to ask about their family or give them a compliment. Everyone knew they could always trust and count on him to help in any way. Bill’s biggest love and enjoyment was being with his family. He continued to regularly attend games and activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always beaming with pride anytime he had his family gathered around him. He had the ability to make each grandchild feel important in their own special way. Bill had a long life well-lived and will be greatly missed by all. Those left to cherish his memory include daughters Alice Graves, children Peter (Maggie) Graves, and Eric Graves all of Ventura CA; Libby Kestel, Iowa City, and Ann (Mark) Meyer; children Matt, Makenzie, Megan and Macy of Mason City; son-in-law Tom King, Johnston, Iowa; children Brian (Erin), Nantucket MA, David King, Newport Beach CA, Aaron (Kelli) King, West Des Moines, Sarah (Reggie) Voyles, Sac City; Lisa (Mat) Beaman, Ankeny; great grandchildren; Sydney, Kinnick and Charlie King; William, Landon, and Millie Voyles; brother John (Mary Ellen) Kestel, Goleta, CA. Preceding Bill in death were his parents; wife, Mary Alice; sister, Dorothy Kestel; daughter Colette King; and granddaughter, Laura King.

William P. Kestel

December 29, 1929 - August 31, 2019