Obituary of William Leonard Aitchison

William L. "Bill" Aitchison, 80, of Monticello passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at home on the farm with his family at his side. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Monticello at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 2, with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Keith Birch will officiate. William L. Aitchison was born January 5, 1931, on the family farm in Bowen's Prairie, Jones County Iowa. He was the son of Clare and Margaret (Buol) Aitchison. He received his education at Sacred Heart School in Monticello graduating in 1949. He attended the University of Iowa for two years. Bill married Ann Schwirtz, August 11, 1956, at St. Patrick's Church in Anamosa. Bill's true passions in life were his faith, family and farming. He and Ann raised six children on the family farm which became a Century Farm in 2010. He was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor that defined his character. His bravery in the face of many medical challenges was an inspiration to everyone. Bill enjoyed spending time with family, especially birthday and holiday celebrations. He was very proud of his children's successes in life and their families. He greatly enjoyed attending the grandchildren's activities and was very proud of all their accomplishments. Grandpa was always their #1 fan and was more than happy to give them, along with their teammates, advice. Bill and Ann were the 2005 Homecoming Grand Marshalls. Bill was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, served on their School Board and was an usher. He was on the Jones County Civil Service Board, the Jones County Democrat Party, and served on the Jones County Cattlemen Association. He sold hail insurance for Farmer's Union for many years. He was also a seed corn dealer. Surviving is his loving wife of 54 years, Ann; two daughters, four sons and their families; Lisa (Dave) Lubben, Lydia, Lael, Clayton of Monticello; Jeff (Tracey) Aitchison, Andreya of Chandler, AZ; Sara (Doug) Tuetken, Shorey, Natalie (Tim) Brodersen, Tessa, Grace of Delhi, IA; Jim (Kristi) Aitchison, Trent, Kate of Monticello, IA; Joe (Dawn) Aitchison, Jason, Jody, Jacklyn, Jennifer of McGregor, IA; and John (Shelly) Aitchison, Morgan, Taylor, Jordan, Jaelyn of Monticello, IA; one great-granddaughter, Wren Brodersen; two sisters, Mary Jane Freese of Monticello, IA; Lorraine Husmann of Clinton, IA; and sister-in-law, Margaret James, Marion, IA. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Bernell and Clara Schwirtz and his brothers-in-law, Louis Freese, Irvin Husmann and Lyle James. Bill touched the lives of many people and will be dearly missed by all. The Family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Voigt, Dr. Weston, Dr. Schwendinger and staff; the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids; the staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics; Iowa City doctors, Dr. Woo, Dr. Kreswick and Dr. O'Donnell; and Above & Beyond Hospice.