Name: Memorial service for William E. "Bill" Trebilcock
Start: 2016-10-22T15:30:00.000Z
Location: McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

William E. "Bill" Trebilcock

West Des Moines

William E. "Bill" Trebilcock, 71, passed away surrounded by family members on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at UnityPoint Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born in Calumet, Michigan August 13, 1945. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a B.A., continuing to Western Michigan University where he earned his MBA in 1967.

Bill began his career in the beverage industry with Coca Cola in 1968 in San Francisco, CA. In 1982 he joined Mid-Continent Bottlers and, in 1984, purchased the company with many great partners at his side. Bill led Mid-Continent as President/CEO until 1998 when he successfully sold Mid-Continent Bottlers. He also was a founding member of Beverage Associate Cooperative Inc., served as President of the 7Up Bottlers Association, was Treasurer of YPO, and for 17 years was a board-member of Whitlock Packaging Corp.

As devoted to Mid-Continent as Bill was he also found time for many other interests. His wife, children and grandchildren always remained the most important aspect in his life. He served for many years on the Board of Directors for Youth Homes of Mid-America, Johnston, Iowa, as well as participating in the Des Moines Breakfast Club and Rotary.

Bill was lovable and relatable, he respected everyone and never met a stranger. Michigan State University sports was a passion; if you were ever privileged to watch a game with him you knew you were family. GO GREEN GO WHITE!!! He adored traveling the world and learning new things around every bend. His stories, whether true or embellished, would always end with a room full of laughter.

Bill was and will remain the Patriarch of our family. He was charged to lead us and in return we had to respect/fear him for all of the right reasons. Bill gave us and others the strength to have no fear. He is irreplaceable.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Ann; three children, Heather (Mike) Wendl and grandchildren, Grant and Whitney of Carroll, IA, Dereck (Beth) Trebilcock and grandchildren, Kegan, Reese and Addison of Norwalk, IA, and Damen Trebilcock and grandchildren, Gwenyth and Graham of Bettendorf, IA; family dog Izzo; plus 27 extended family members including 11 of their offspring.

A special thanks is given to friends, neighbors, partners, Dr. Sean Cunningham, Floor 7 at Younkers Rehabilitation Center, Floor 3 North Tower UnityPoint and all individuals who knew Bill.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, October 22, 2016 at McLarens Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 A.M. A celebration gathering will follow immediately after the service at the Des Moines Golf & Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Oct. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Trebilcock

Sponsored by McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery.

29 Entries

Rob Sarlls

October 30, 2017

Bill was a mentor to me, as well as to many others that worked with and for him. He was kind and very giving of his time. My deepest sympathies to Ann and the entire family.

Cathy Culley Chiappe

October 3, 2017

Ann, I was looking through old photos of my wedding to Bruce Johnson and, of course, saw your picture as one of my bridesmaids. So long ago, do you remember? Anyway, in looking you up I was so sorry to read your husbands obituary. Just having a birthday and being the same age it definitely seems way too young. I hope you are doing okay and that your children and grandchildren have been a comfort.

November 10, 2016

Ann - Judy and I just learned of Bill's passing. He was truly one of a kind. Wish we could've seen you guys more often. Best wishes to you and your family.

Jim and Judy Kohl

TR Weerts

November 8, 2016

Ann, I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was Mike Whalen's assistant for 12 1/2 years and knew Bill (mostly on the phone). I considered him a friend and always looked forward to hearing his voice on the other end of the line. He was a wonderful man. I'm ever so sorry to hear of his death. Sorry this is so late, just heard about it from a friend.

Jan Farley

October 29, 2016

Ann, I'm sorry to hear about Bill. He was truly a wonderful, sweet, funny guy. He will truly be missed.

October 27, 2016

We are so sorry about Bill and are thinking of all the fun we have had with you and your family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of the family. Fred and Nancy Morgan

Scott Hatfield

October 21, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about Bill.
He was a great guy.
We got to know him when our son's were in school together and I later designed his Mid-Continent Bottlers offices in Regency West.
We are thinking of you and your family and wishing you our deepest sympathy.
Scott, Diana, Shani, Brandon, and Nathan Hatfield

October 17, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of Bill. He was a great thinker and always had very good insight into both business and personal issues. Rest in Peace, old friend. Michael and Linda Duffy

Caroline and Russ Perisho

October 17, 2016

Caroline and I are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was one-of-a-kind in the very best way bigger than life.
I'll always remember him telling great stories. You couldn't tell if there was any truth to the story but it didn't matter. You'd be laughing too hard to care. And he'd be laughing so hard that he couldn't get to the end of the story. A remarkable, gentle soul.
Our thoughts are with Ann and all the family in this sad time.

Eric Machholz

October 17, 2016

Very sorry to hear of this loss. I grew up in the Thornwood neighborhood with his son Damen, and have very fond memories of spending time at their home. He was a wonderful man, very intelligent and wise, and I even remember how he liked mustard on his pancakes. You will be missed, sir.

October 14, 2016

I am shocked and so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great guy and one that many, of us looked up to as a leading role model.
Don Tietz
Algona, Iowa
Iowa YPO GOLD

Ron BARRY

October 13, 2016

Bill and Ann were not only good neighbors, in two locations, but good friends as we each grew to respect and appreciate all that life offers. Bill was with me in the good times and offered cherished and objective advise and consul in difficult times. What better example of true friendship. Bill became not only a trusted friend, but as both an investor and a member of my Board of Directors played a crucial role in a story that had a very happy ending. How fortunate I was to have had the Triebilcocks come into my life.

Joe and Amy Galloway

October 12, 2016

A visit with Bill always brightened my day. I will miss him greatly. However, he will not be completely gone. I still have conversations with my late Dad, wondering what he would advise in a given situation. He still leads me to the right answers, as I am sure Bill will continue to do with you. We are thinking of you.

Carol Hildreth

October 11, 2016

My prayers and thoughts are with you during this trying time for you and your family. Sorry to here that Bill has passed away. I work at Youth Homes!

Betsy Mason

October 11, 2016

Dear Damen, Gwenyth, and Graham,
Know that my heart is with you. I send you all my love and hugs. Please extend my sympathy to all of your family, too. What a treasure this man is and always will be.
Most sincerely, "Auntie" Betsy (aka Scott's mom)

October 11, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Owen

David Hayes

October 10, 2016

My deepest sympathies. Bill was visionary and a great supporter of DPSU brands expansion into national accounts. He did this in the face of negative adherence to change in the nascent days of national account penetration. He was a true friend, allie and mentor. May all his dear ones be blessed.

Chris Koepplin

October 10, 2016

The loss of Bill is felt at Youth Homes. The impact his family has had on youth and families in need will live on. The commitment Ann and Bill have made to our staff, youth, and families is truly without measure. His presence will be missed and never forgotten. Many thanks for such a good soul.

Dan & Patti Muhlbauer

October 10, 2016

Your family has our deepest sympathy. We will remember our trip to CO and the memories made during that time. He was truly a genuine soul who cared about others and was easy to get to know. He will be missed.

RICK JORGENSON

October 10, 2016

Ann, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Bill for 10 years and I really enjoyed it. He was just the best person to be around and a great leader. Bill was truly gifted in telling stories and making everyone feel great.

Rick & Sharon Jorgenson (Johnston, IA)

Matt Evanson

October 10, 2016

Very sad to see this. Bill was always a great man to be around and I hope your family can find some peace.

Ross Ainley

October 10, 2016

Bill was a man of integrity. To know him was to trust him. And people who interacted with Bill knew this, whether consciously or subconsciously. He was competent and honest and dealing with Bill was always refreshing. He always made you feel good when you talked to him, and I think we will all miss him very much.

Mike Arndt

October 10, 2016

Ann, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Bill truly made a difference in our community and had a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of kids, families and staff at Youth Homes.

David Hoekenga

October 9, 2016

Dear Ann and family, Dave and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. As far away as we are, we feel a loss that's been in our hearts often as well. We'll both miss him terribly and send our prayers that you find comfort that his suffering is over.

Much Love,
Dave and Janis

Jennifer LaBonte

October 8, 2016

With love from the LaBonte Family and the rest of your Yooper Family.

Ann Barron

October 7, 2016

This is truly a sad time to know Bill is no longer here with us. He was such an awesome, loving and caring person. My heart is so sad for the family n friends whom were loved by him. I will miss him calling me and say his favorite banker.

Cheryl Hamilton

October 7, 2016

Dear Ann, I am so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. May your family be of great comfort to you.

Dona Cassidy (formerly Hoekenga)

October 7, 2016

It is so sad to hear of Bill's passing. What a great brother in law he was to me! His kindness and sense of humor are what I remember most. I send my deepest sympathy and warm regards to Ann and the entire family.

Rosalie Cushman

October 7, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful husband, father, kind and caring businessman--a role model. While I've been away from DSM for 20 years, I remain grateful for his presence as a Soccer dad when my son, Sam, was young. Sending abiding love to Ann, Damen, Dereck, Heather, and family.

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