William D. Gasway

1931 - 2021

WILLIAM D. GASWAY Cedar Rapids William D. Gasway, 89, passed away Oct. 27, 2021, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private services will be held Sunday, Oct. 31. Bill was born Nov. 24, 1931, to John (Jack) and Miriam Gasway, in Green Bay, Wis. He moved with his family to Cedar Rapids when he was less than a year old. He graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids in 1950 and went on to get an engineering degree at the University of Minnesota in 1954. It was at the U of M where he met his future wife, Harriet, when she offered to substitute for a friend who had double booked two dates at the same time. He never did date the friend and on June 10, 1956, they were married. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage together. After getting married, they moved to Rockford, Ill., while Bill was stationed there as an engineer in the Air Force. He also spent time during his Air Force duty working in supply chain logistics in Chicago. He was very proud of his service to the country, and often proudly shared copies of a photo where he was showing his superiors his prowess at making up his bunk so perfectly. Years later, on Oct. 17, 2017, he was so proud and excited to be able to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He proclaimed it one of the best days of his life! He was happy to share the day with his son, Scott, and granddaughter, Melissa, who lived there at that time. Letters from family on the way home were especially meaningful and may have brought out a tissue or two. Years after his service, he was fortunate enough to use the "GI Bill" to go to flight school with his youngest son David. It was not uncommon for them to compete over who had the better landing. One of his favorite sayings was "any landing you walk away from is a good one." Bill was a member of the Shriners Flying Fez and was happy when he could help someone in need by flying them to a hospital appointment, usually child burn victims going to Cincinnati. Bill came back to Cedar Rapids in 1958 and got involved in the family paper business, J.P. Gasway Company. He traveled Iowa and Illinois and after his father passed away, he took over as President, growing the business over the years, and earning the prestigious Golden Eagle award, signifying over 40 years in the industry. He developed many great relationships. He also was the President of the Heart of America Paper Association, and helped lead the company into membership in AIPPM, an important association in the industry. Among his favorite business sayings was when he was asked about selling all of an item, was "sell it, this ain't a museum!" He was a longtime member of Rotary, achieving Paul Harris Fellow status, Masonic Temple, Scottish Rite Temple, Temple Judah (President twice). He loved to golf with his kids, wife and grandchildren, and was fortunate enough to get a hole-in-one in 2013 at the age of 81! Bill loved nothing more than attending family celebrations, his grandchildren's music, and academic and sporting events. He loved wearing the colors of their schools. He was fortunate enough to have many years with the grandchildren, and they with him. He loved to travel with his family and was lucky enough to see many places. He loved travel photography and just learning about people and places. He loved Florida and the time they spent there, especially their time in Naples, Fla. He loved cars and enjoyed driving and often was seeking someone to "go for a spin" with him. Those left to cherish his memory are sons, Scott (Julie) Gasway of Cedar Rapids and David (Arlene) Gasway of Norwalk, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Melissa Nelson of Cedar Rapids, Brent (Erin) Gasway of Indianapolis, Ind., Joel Gasway (fiancée Crystal Roach) of Marion, Iowa, Lily Gasway of West Des Moines, Iowa, Isabel Gasway (fiancé Andrew Bedell) of New York, N.Y., Sam Gasway of Denver, Colo., and Adam Gasway of Lincoln, Neb. Also surviving is his newest shining light, great-granddaughter, Hattie Gasway of Indianapolis, Ind.. In addition, surviving are Bill's sister, Nancy Malmon of Minnetonka, Minn., brother Robert Gasway of Tarzana, Calif., sister-in-law Harriet Lane of Mendota Heights, Minn., sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Herb Modelevsky of San Clemente, Calif., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Those preceding him in death include his wife, Harriet; parents; parents-in-law, Samuel and Birdie Labovitch, siblings-in-law, Mile Lane, Shirley Labovitch and Al Malmon; and grandson-in-law, Andrew Nelson. William always will be remembered as a loving and wonderful husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and dear friend. His memory will be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, should a memorial be desired, it can be made to Mercy Foundation's greatest need fund, in his name: 701-10th St. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-1292 or mercycare.org/giving/donate-now/.