Memorial services for Bill will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. also at the church. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bill and his family.

William Horace Baltisberger was born May 17, 1924, in Grinnell, IA to Harvey and Lucille Baltisberger. He grew up in Malcom, IA on the family farm until March, 1936 when the family moved to Marshalltown. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1942. On August 20, 1942, Bill volunteered for U.S. Army and entered the aviation cadet program. He graduated from navigation school in December of 1943 in Hondo, TX and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. From England, he flew 32 missions with 26 of those as the lead navigator and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. On D-day, Bill flew two bombing missions over France, including one behind the lines of Omaha beach. Other missions of note included ditching his plane over the English Channel where he and most of his crew were rescued by the English. On another mission he had to take control and land a disabled B-17 after the pilot and copilot were shot earning him the Silver Star. His missions included runs over Germany, France, Belgium, Hungary and Poland. On his last mission, Bill and his pilot parachuted over Germany and were captured by the enemy. They were sent to a prisoner of war camp near Munchen but were able to escape one night. Bill used his outstanding navigation skills to guide their escape on foot at night across Germany. Once they crossed Rhine River, they were able to reconnect with the Allies in France. Later, Bill came home to “flight operations” in Houston, TX until the end of WWII. He was discharged in August of 1945. During his service, he earned the Purple Heart, Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Russian medal, POW medal and recently received the Croix de Guerre medal from the French Ambassador.

After his service, Bill attended Iowa State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in March, 1949 with a teaching certificate and then taught in Columbus Junction, IA vocational agriculture for 2 ¢ years. Bill was recalled to the Korean War in 1951 and served for eighteen months as 1st Lieutenant and a B-29 Navigator in the Strategic Air Corps of the U.S. Air Force. He was initially stationed in Tucson, AZ and later in French Morocco. He was discharged in 1952.

Bill married Barbara Benson in August, 1947. After being discharged from the military, Bill worked for Young’s Feed Store for 10 years and then served as Sales Manager for Lynks Seed Corn Company for 25 years. After retiring from Lynks, he worked an additional 8 years for Ottilie Seed Company. He then retired to family farming. During his early professional career, Bill was elected to the city council for six years and served as President of the Jaycees. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and was a Mason. Bill served as conservator and Power of Attorney for more than 35 veterans residing at the Veteran’s Home. He continued this service late into life. Bill was a faithful member of St. Paul’s church and served on the vestry.

Bill is survived by his daughters: Nancy (Rodger) Larsen, of Mukilteo, WA, Sandra (Val) Giles, of Forks, WA and Linda (Dale) Gabel, of Golden, CO; grandchildren: Jessica Larsen, Eric Larsen, Jennifer Edwards, Jeff Giles, Julia Ahrndt, Amanda Olson, Megan Hendricks and Katrina Gabel and 16 great-grandchildren. He has two siblings: Richard Baltisberger, of Newark, OH and James Baltisberger, of San Antonio TX.

In death, Bill rejoins Barbara, his wife of 69 years and his parents, Harvey and Lucille.