Bill Bence, 76, of West Burlington, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington.
Born Aug. 25, 1946, in Burlington, he was the son of Cecil Raymond and Marjorie Rose Messmer Bence. On Nov. 1, 1969, he married Teresa Riffel in St. Patrick Church in Burlington, Iowa.
Bill graduated from Burlington High School in 1964. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 9th Infantry Division as a combat medic in the Vietnam war. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart medal.
He worked for GE for 25 years before retiring.
Bill was a member of Divine Mercy Parish Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Purple Heart Society, and the VFW. Bill collected stamps and coins. He enjoyed getting outside to hunt, fish, and target shoot. Bill also enjoyed going bowling, bird watching, and going on vacation.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years; two sons, Robert (Melissa) Bence and Benjamin (Lisa) Bence both of Burlington; 4 grandchildren, Abbey and Garret Bence, Corey and Codey Jacobs; sister-in-law, Marsha Ann Bence of Burlington; two twin sisters, Judi (Mario) Balderas of Burlington, and Julie (Gary) Warner of Burlington; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Bob Bence, and brother-in-law, Gary Pickering.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division St.
The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Bence will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the SS. Mary and Patrick Church Hall.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.