William Edgar Weldon Jr.

William “Bill” Edgar Weldon Jr., age 90, of Albia, IA, formerly of Lovilia, IA, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Bill was born on March 6, 1933, in Lovilia, IA, to William Edgar and Beulah Pearl (Martin) Weldon. He grew up and attended school in Lovilia and graduated from the Lovilia High School with the class of 1951. On July 4, 1952, he was united in marriage to Betty June VandenBerg in Unionville, MO, and to this union, 6 children were born, Sandie, Rhonda, Dee, Doug, Missy and Lynn. Bill and Betty were blessed with nearly 71 years of marriage prior to Betty’s passing on June 30, 2023. Following high school, Bill worked as a bulldozer operator for Weldon Coal Company in Harvey, IA. Bill served his country as a SGT in the United States Army from December 11, 1952-October 10, 1954 and was stationed in Korea. Upon release from active duty, he was a member of the Army Reserve. Bill worked for Iowa Power and Light Company Co., later becoming MidAmerican Energy, for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1995. He was a proud member of the Iowa IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 499, serving as Union Steward. In his younger years, Bill played high school basketball and fastpitch softball. Bill had a love for aviation. He obtained his pilot’s license and owned several planes over the years, including his favorites, the Bonanza Beach Craft and a couple of stunt planes. He also enjoyed taking his family to airshows and watching the Blue Angels. He was a very talented man in many areas and built homes for he and Betty and his daughter, Lynn, as well as assisted other family members with many construction projects. Above all else, Bill loved his family, was a loving husband and father, and a very proud grandfather and great grandfather. Bill is survived by 6 children, Sandie (Denny) McDaniel, Rhonda (Rob) Rardin, Dee (Russ) Chamberlain, Doug (Michelle) Weldon, Missy (Bill) Bayer, and Lynn (Jeff) Adler; 12 grandchildren, Shauna, Jason, Raegan (Cam), Jeremy, Garrett, Alex, Sydney, MaKenna, Hunter, Cole, Liam, and Lauren; 5 great grandchildren, Emily, Trey, Quinnlyn, Harrison, and Taysom; a sister, Judy (Ronnie) Conner and a sister-in-law, Linda Weldon, both of Lovilia; a brother, Greg Weldon of Knoxville; and an uncle, Danny Weldon, of Lovilia. Bill is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Edgar and Beulah Weldon; and 2 brothers, Ed Weldon and Jerry Weldon in infancy. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, IA, with Al Safford officiating and military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Memorials have been established to EveryStep Hospice, the American Legion in Albia, and the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

William Edgar Weldon Jr.

March 6, 1933 - October 13, 2023