William E. Calisesi Obituary

William “Bill” Ernest Calisesi, age 72, passed away on December 9, 2022 due to complications with congestive heart failure with his family by his side. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.

Bill was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa (God’s country) on August 31, 1950. Growing up he was surrounded by his tight knit Italian family and could be found on Sundays having Italian dinner with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He loved spending time at his grandparents’ house, especially swimming in Poppy’s pool and helping in the garden. He also enjoyed many days eating pizza at The Community Tap.

Bill attended Fort Dodge Senior High School (class of 1969) where he wrestled the “heavy” weight divisions of 90lbs and 103lbs. He spent many summers at the cabin in Twin Lakes, where he threw the “infamous” party and also enjoyed water skiing with family and friends. Bill began his long successful bowling career at Ridgewood Lanes. He achieved 14 perfect games in his lifetime and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bill moved to Des Moines in 1976 and received a degree from the American Institute of Business. He met and fell in love with an Italian girl, Anna Morano. They married in 1978 and started a family in Beaverdale. He had two daughters that he couldn’t have been prouder of, Christina and Serra. Bill had many careers including accounting for Rob Co Transportation, a real estate agent, and working in the mortgage department at Wells Fargo.

In his free time, Bill loved to see and explore new things. One of his favorite things to do was travel with his wife and family. His favorite family vacation was a cruise to the Caribbean. He always looked forward to trips across the US for Bowling Nationals. Bill and Anna liked attending shows at the Civic Center, watching movies, and cheering on the Hawkeyes at the Iowa football games. Bill got his pilot’s license and loved to take his daughters flying. He also enjoyed going to car shows and Prairie Meadows with his friends. His family and friends alike enjoyed listening to “Beaverdale Billy” call in to Sound Off on WHO 13.

The most important thing to Bill, was his family. He was a great husband and father. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and grand dog. One of his greatest joys was his constant companion and partner in crime, his grand dog, Sophie Jo. He always looked forward to visits, school programs, sporting events, and holidays with “the lads and the lady.” His face lit up around them. He loved to create new memories but loved reminiscing about the old ones.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Anna (Morano) of 44 years and daughters, Christina (Chad) Calisesi-Fehr and Serra (Jim) Wittenwyler; grandchildren, Nolan, Brody and Cason Wittenwyler and Cali Fehr; brother, Dr. John (Liz) Calisesi and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mamie (Partello) Calisesi, and his cousin, Ricky Urwiler.

The funeral mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. A link will appear, just prior to the service, on Bill's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com where you may also leave online condolences.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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