William Joseph Donelson

William Joseph Donelson was born February 9th, 1974, in Albia, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly in his home. Bill was the oldest child of Tim and Jane Donelson. He would later welcome brothers: Bob and Curt, and sister Emily.
The family moved to Oskaloosa in 1979. Bill attended Webster Elementary School, Oskaloosa Junior High School and graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1992. Bill loved learning and when he was young, would sometimes sit at home and read the encyclopedias. He had a paper route when he was in grade school and worked at Wendy's when he was in high school. When he was young, Bill attended Bethel Baptist Church with his parents. During a Vacation Bible School at church, Bill made a profession of faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Bill loved football and played for Oskaloosa in 7th through 12th grade. He held Coach Staton in high regard for the life lessons he taught the boys. After high school, Bill attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Then in 1995, Bill joined the Marine Corps for 4 years and served at Camp Pendleton and in Okinawa, Japan. After the Marine Corps, Bill attended Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and graduated in 2007 with his master's degree in mechanical engineering. In June 2001, Bill married Gina Pickering and later, they divorced. Bill married Kelly Munsch in September 2014 and they were divorced in 2023. Bill had no children. He worked as an engineer for the Raytheon Company for the last 15 years.
Bill cherished his grandma Thelma and loved to spend time with her. When they would play music together, he would play his violin and she would play the piano. Bill was a big Hawkeye fan and phone calls, or text messages were forbidden during a Hawkeye football game. Sometimes his phone calls home would last for 2-3 hours. His presence and voice will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his parents, Tim and Jane Donelson of Pella, Iowa; two brothers, Bob (Heather) Donelson of Pella, Iowa and Curt Donelson of Champaign, Illinois, and a sister Emily (Cullen) Kothmann of Huxley, Iowa. A special aunt Judy Summers of Albia, Iowa and a special cousin, Melanie Summers of Albia, Iowa, and many other wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill was proceeded in death by his grandparents: Bob and Thelma Dewitt and Ron and Betty Donelson, and a special uncle, Dean Summers.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Bethel Baptist Church, Oskaloosa, with Pastor Ronnie Hemsworth officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa following the services. Visitation will open Sunday, October 8, 2023, after 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to Bethel Baptist Church or the Oskaloosa High School Football program.