Obituary of William J. Kauzlarich

William Joseph Kauzlarich, the son of Anthony William and Marie Rose (Milburn) Kauzlarich, was born April 2, 1942 in Centerville, Iowa. Bill graduated from North High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Operations from Iowa State University in 1964. He served his country in the United States Air Force, earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, and co-piloted B-52 Bombers. On October 15, 1965, Bill was united in marriage with LeeAnn Scrivner at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK. After his medical discharge from the Air Force, Bill returned to Des Moines where he worked for the Iowa Highway Commission where he used his engineering skills to design the lighting system for the new I-235, which is still in use today. Bill battled Multiple Sclerosis for 48 years and never let it hold him back. Bill enjoyed participating in the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Wheelchair Games as well as the local Iowa PVA events where he bowled his first 300 game in December 2004. Bill was a long-time member of Grace Church in Des Moines. Bill died on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA. He was 73 years old. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Patricia Montenguise. Those left to honor Bill’s memory include his wife, LeeAnn Kauzlarich; his daughter, Kimberly (Jonathan) Payne; his granddaughters, Kristin Payne and Jessica Payne; his sister, Karen (Jim) DeHeer ; his brothers, James (Meryl) Kauzlarich, David Kauzlarich and Kenneth (Terri) Kauzlarich; and his many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Grace Church in Des Moines. The family will greet friends from 3:30 p.m. until service time Friday at the church. Memorials may be designated to the Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America.