William “Bill” Francis Biederman, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, November 9, 2014, at his home. Services: 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2014, at St. Ludmila’s Catholic Church by Father Dennis Juhl. Visitation: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2014, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a time for sharing memories at 6:00 p.m. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: St. John’s Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with military rites.
Bill was born February 14, 1921, to William and Irma (Ringhoffer) Biederman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bill graduated from McKinley High School, in Cedar Rapids, where he participated in music, drama and National Honor Society. He was also senior class president, Class of 1939. He graduated from Coe College with a degree in Sociology. Bill married Ardith L. Ebsen in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 20, 1942. Shortly after they wed, he entered the Air Force serving in WW II at Struther Air Force Base in Winfield, Kansas. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as a staff sergeant. Bill worked for the Royal Typewriter Company in the service department, retiring after 40 years and was a proud member of the American Legion in Hiawatha.
Bill always enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, ping pong and bowling. He was an avid Hawkeye fan and loyally attended the women's basketball games. His greatest passion was golf. He and Ardy traveled to play golf in every state. He was a member of Jones Park Golf Association and his friendships with the Grasshoppers’ group were special to him.
He is survived by his daughters, Terry (Chuck) Claassen of Unionville, Missouri, Jane (Dan) Baldus of Montezuma, Iowa, and Patti (Brian) Schulte of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one brother, Jim (Joan) Biederman of Hiawatha; twelve grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardy; parents, William F. and Irma Biederman; son, William Biederman, III; brother, Robert Biederman; and sisters, Margaret Lynn and Bernice Williams.
Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and had a playful sense of humor. He enjoyed taking photos to record the good times. He was always there for his family and friends’ events and shared the pride of their accomplishments.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the family.