08/08/1997
Funeral services for William DeJong Jr., 66, of Knoxville, who died August 8, at Des Moines General Hospital, were held August 12, 1997, at the Free Methodist Church in Knoxville. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville.
The Rev. Charles McMillian officiated at the services. Music was provided by Sharon and Arlene Davenport, vocal duet, and son De J, vocalist. Pallbearers were Sam Fisher, Jim Hicks, Josh Mahoney, Matt McKay, Neil Rankin, and Kevin Redig.
William was born March 1, 1931, in Iowa City, the son of William J. and Jennie VanZee DeJong. He attended Knoxville school graduating in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army for two years.
He was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Collins on December 20. 1974, in Knoxville. He was a lifelong resident of Marion County, where he farmed and was an agent for General United Life Insurance Company in Des Moines.
He attended the Free Methodist Church in Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of Knoxville; five sons, William Thomas of Knoxville, De J of Stillwater, Minn., Vaun of South Bend, Ind., Chaun of Naples, Fla., and Paul Major Jr., of Spokane, Wash.; three daughters, Trish Lilly, and Lisa Campbell both of South Bend, and Teresa Griffin of Monroe; a brother, Franklin DeJong o Knoxville; and 16 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Free Methodist Church.
Arrangements were made by Evans-McCleery Funeral Home in Knoxville.