William “Bill” Gersema

January 25, 1953 – October 24, 2025

William “Bill” Gersema, age 72, of Branson, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2025.

Arrangements are being handled by Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, Missouri. A burial and remembrance service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, our family welcomes memorial contributions to help with final expenses and remembrance service. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made at everloved.com.

Bill was born on January 25, 1953, in Cedar Falls, Iowa where he grew up and attended school, including college. Over the years, he enjoyed many jobs, but two of his favorites were owning the bowling center in Jefferson, Iowa, and driving a taxi in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Both were a perfect fit as they kept him surrounded by people, and Bill was happiest when he could make someone laugh or share a good story!

Bill loved playing sports of all kinds with his boys and others — whether playing outside or on a Nintendo. He also enjoyed talking sports with anyone who would listen - especially about his favorite teams - the Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, or Atlanta Braves!  Any road trip or vacation always seemed to include a stop to catch a game somewhere. His favorite getaways were simple ones: camping trips filled with family and road trips filled with laughter - always with a little mischief sprinkled in!

He had a lifelong love for dogs, always keeping one close by and treating each as part of the family. When he wasn’t hanging out with his pups, you could find him fishing, at the pool with his grandchildren, or cruising around in his Cadillac with the windows down and music blasting — just enjoying the ride and the fresh air!

He retired and moved to Branson in 2020, which was his life long dream. He finished his days living by the lake, watching sunrises and sunsets with friends, and fishing with every opportunity.

Full of humor and personality, Bill had a gift for bringing people together. Whether it was over a cup of coffee, game, a good story, or just to share a laugh, he made life brighter for those who knew him.

Bill was a father of three: Matt Gersema, of Cedar Rapids, IA; Tara (Joby) Baugh of Las Vegas, NV; and Justin Gersema of Ames, IA.

He was “Grandpa Bill” to seven grandchildren — Matt’s children: Kellina Kuebler of Des Moines, IA; Jared (Kaleigh) Garcia of Grand Junction, IA; Tierney (Nick) Trahan of Des Moines, IA; Jenna (Bryce) Burkhardt of Jefferson, IA; and Braden Gersema of Jefferson, IA. Tara and Joby’s children - Kaylee (Garrett) Piel of Nampa, ID; and Ashlee Baugh (Joey Crockett) of Las Vegas, NV. He was also “Great-Grandpa Bill” to Harper Kuebler, Carter Rhoades, Kamryn, Jaxson, and Willow Gettman of Des Moines, IA; Breck and Livi Garcia of Grand Junction, IA, Bennett Burkhardt of Jefferson, IA; Landon and Luke Piel of Nampa, ID; and Harlee Crockett of Las Vegas, NV.

Bill is survived by his brother, Dave (Kathy) Skaggs of Santa Maria, CA; and sisters, Vicki (Kevin) Kamienski and Susan (Jim) Duncan, both of Cedar Falls, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Delos Gersema, and son, Matt.

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