William Ellis "Bill" Kizer

William "Bill" Ellis Kizer 1924 - 2011 Bill Kizer was born in Burlington, Iowa to Ellis and Aurelia Kizer. He and his older brother Jack were raised on his family's farm. Bill graduated from Burlington High School in 1942. He married Jessie May Waldorf in 1945 while he was serving in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He also served later in Korea. Bill and Jessie had two children, Susan and Michael, and in 1955 he moved his family to Bakersfield, CA. He went to work for Sparkle Cleaners that same year as a route salesman and held many managerial positions with that organization. After 26 years of marriage, Jessie Kizer passed away in 1971, and in 1975 Bill married Phyllis Ringrose. They spent 23 years together until her passing in 2000. Bill retired from Sparkle in 2010 at the age of 86 and for several years prior was in charge of ordering and supplies. Bill was an avid golfer, teaching many family members the game; he enjoyed bowling and in later years playing pool. Bill loved his family and spent quality time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a deep love for his "Sparkle" family and after retirement would visit often thriving on those wonderful friendships. Bill is survived by his children Susan Kimmel and husband Myron, Mike Kizer and wife Cheryl, Grandchildren Mark Kimmel and his wife Kelly, Jason Kizer and wife Shannon, Amanda (Kimmel) Schwartz and husband Brad, David Kizer and wife Alishia, and Brian Kizer. Bill was blessed with six great-grandchildren. Fr. John Riebe and Fr. Don Cleave will conduct services at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with reception following at All Saints Anglican Church, 3200 Gosford Road. The family would welcome contributions to Odyssey Hospice on Commercecenter Drive www.bakersfield.com/obits