William Lee Erisman

William Lee Erisman, age 84 of West Des Moines, IA, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

Bill was born to Claude and Effie (Debuhr) Erisman on August 1, 1938 in Auburn, NE.  He graduated from Bratton Union High School before enlisting and proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy.  He would go on to earn his Associates Degree from Lincoln School of Commerce. Throughout his working career, Bill sold life insurance and spent time with Cargill Seed and selling heavy equipment for John Deere.  Even after “retirement”, he continued staying busy by delivering auto parts for Stivers Ford and Dewey Dodge.

Bill earned his private pilot’s license and had a true passion for flying. He enjoyed fishing, word searches, and flight simulator programs.  He was very handy and talented at building a variety of items, which he meticulously did. He knew no strangers, would take up conversations with everyone. He adored his wife Sherry, whom he married on April 23, 2006 in Eddyville, Iowa.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Sherry of West Des Moines; daughters Shelly (Wade) Anderson and Tiffany (Grant) Wieland both of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Eric (Raeann) and Hugh Anderson and Mason, Carter, and Addison Wieland; siblings Christine (Wayne) Schultz, Claude (Linda Hoover) Erisman Jr., sister-in-law Janet Erisman, and sister-in-law Yvonne Erisman.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Gerald, Norman, and sister-in-law Mary Ellyn Erisman.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Following the graveside service, all are welcome back to Ernst Funeral Home for light refreshments and continued fellowship with the family.

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Bill's final arrangements.