Billy Lee Souder, age 84, of Jefferson, died April 21, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Carroll, Iowa. Bill was born May 10, 1939, at his grandparents’ home in rural Truro. His parents were Carman and Nona (Muselman) Souder.
Bill spent his life in Greene County. He grew up in rural Rippey and lived there until the fall of 1982, moved to rural Grand Junction and in 1993 he made his residence in Jefferson.
Bill was united in marriage to Jacqueline Marie Rinker on July 16, 1960. To this union were born Pamela Suzanne, Carole Anne, Lynne Marie, and Lisa Kaye.
Bill was a hard worker and held different jobs over the years. Most of his life was spent farming but he also worked in factories as a machinist, was a welder, worked at implement dealerships, and drove semi to haul grain. He also had two businesses with his wife, Souder Custom Service providing combining, corn shelling, and hauling grain services; and JBS Enterprises where he took pride in restoring antique tractors among other tasks. Bill had a stroke in December of 2013 which brought his years of work to an end, but he still did projects for himself as he was able.
Bill and Jackie enjoyed taking vacations to Texas at Christmas time and to Minnesota in the summer while the children were at home. But as things changed, they began to spend time in Arizona in the winter for a few weeks until it got too difficult to make the trip.
Bill was preceded in death by twin sisters Beverly and Barbara who died at birth; his parents, Carman and Nona Souder; parent-in-laws, J. Perry & Daisy Rinker; brother-in-law Oliver (Bob) Rinker; and sister-in-law Jeanette Rinker Smithson.
He is survived by his wife Jackie; children Pamela Varella of Texas, Carole (Scott) Vannoy of Urbandale, Lynne (Rich) Vanderohe of Mason City, and Lisa (Matt) Schroeder of Jefferson; grandchildren Alan Beck of Waukee, Evan (Rachel) Schroeder of Sioux Center, Kara (Ryan) Evans, Amie Schroeder, Joel Schroeder, and Rene Schroeder, all of Jefferson, Christa Benson, Leslie Olson, Larissa Varella, Ali Seale, Catie Carr, Carlene Lee, Cami Vannoy, Clarisse Vannoy, Nicole Jewett, Veronica Vonderohe, Victoria Vonderohe and Vanessa Vonderohe; support dog Harvey; great-grandchildren Elise, Eli, Ezra and Evelyn Schroeder and Jayden Beck; sister-in-law Janice Rinker Coy; other relatives; and friends.
The family is hosting a Remembrance of Life Saturday, May 11, at the Greenewood Center, 401 W. Greenewood Road, Jefferson, Iowa.
