William Joseph "Bill" Lancial II

William Joseph "Bill" Lancial II, 71, of Iowa City, passed away after a brave battle with lung cancer on January 18, 2026, at University of Iowa Health Care surrounded by his loving family.

One of nine children, Bill was born in Des Moines on September 20, 1954, to William and Bernadette (Beadle) Lancial. Bill knew hard work from a very young age. In early elementary school, he was a paperboy and then also worked numerous jobs before and after school including at a bakery, as a milkman, a stockboy/clerk at the local corner store and later as a hotel night auditor. Bill was always proud that he obtained his Eagle Scout rank. After graduating from Dowling Catholic High School (where he was a wrestler), Bill attended the University of Iowa and received his bachelor's degree in business and marketing.

As a college student, he was proud that one of the many jobs he held all four years was as a school bus driver for elementary and special education students in Iowa City. The $1.70 an hour he made was frequently spent on taking "his special kids" for ice cream. After graduating, Bill managed the Associated University Apartments for 11 years with the Clark Family who continue to be good friends. Bill went on to manage Randy's Flooring in Coralville for almost 25 years. During his working years, he developed and cherished many enduring friendships. Bill was highly respected – known as a man of few words with a big heart; but it was also said that when Bill had something to say, people listened.

Bill met his wife, Lynette, on a blind date their freshman year at the U of I and they married on July 24,1976, after graduating. Lynette and Bill became parents of now two remarkable women, Jaclyn and Natalie. Bill was an amazing father and very close with his girls. Bill and Lynette made many cherished memories during their 49 years of marriage. They loved being parents, working in their yard, traveling together, attending Iowa Hawkeye wrestling meets, sharing quiet moments, and simply enjoying one another's company.

In college, Bill was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity where he developed many lifelong friendships. For the last 30 years, he looked forward to special times with those friends, fishing annually in Canada as well as golfing in their Southern Hawkeye Iowa Tournament. He also enjoyed photography and was known to have a talent for fixing anything around the house.

Bill fiercely loved his family and spending time with them. Of all the roles Bill held in his life, none meant more to him than being "Papa." It was his favorite title, worn with immense pride and joy. His grandchildren always came first-above anything else; they were an integral part of his life; he was present for all things big and small. Papa spent hours and hours on the floor playing with toys, laughing through games, and taking his grandkids for a special treat to the DQ or Drake Diner. He engaged them in long conversations filled with curiosity, stories, and humor. He was endlessly proud of each of them. His love for his little buddy, his honey bunny, and his Hunter buddy was unquestionably deep and sweet, and without a doubt, reciprocated.

Bill will be remembered for his kind heart, his gentle presence, his smile, and his deep devotion to family, and the lives he so profoundly touched.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Lynette, daughter Jaclyn Lancial and her children Khloe and Kai, daughter Natalie Lancial and her son Hunter (Joe Simon and daughter Indie); his siblings: Chris (Randall) Roth, Mark Lancial, Tim (Julie) Lancial, Theresa (Terry) Miller and Dan Lancial and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Jason Lancial, LeAnn Higgins, and Anthony Lancial.

A celebration of Bill's life will be planned for the spring, and more details will be shared in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Des Moines-Food Pantry, Regina Catholic Schools Foundation in Iowa City, or a charity of choice.