William Card

Bill was born April 21, 1928 in Ogden, Utah, the son of Augustus Lafayette and Leora (Grabinski) Card. Following his graduation in 1946 from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming, he served in the United States Army in occupied Japan. Bill then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and also took courses towards his Masters Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. On May 30, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jean M. Jerald at the Warren United Methodist Church in Denver, CO. Bill began his career in business with Conoco Oil in Denver and Colorado Springs. Following the death of Jean's father in 1957, they moved to Waterloo to run the Jerald Sulky Company, family owned and operated since 1898. Over the next 50 years, through his leadership and vision, the business flourished, expanding into international markets. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, a charter member of Beaver Hills Country Club, the Iowa Manufacturers Association, on the board of the Ice House Museum of the Cedar Falls Historical Society, the US Trotting Association, and the First United Methodist Church. A man with many and varied hobbies and interests, Bill was an avid golfer who threatened to get better or quit each year. A fan and supporter of UNI athletics, he loved a good football or basketball game. A special fondness for the Rocky Mountains led Bill to buy a condo in Steamboat Springs, and as for the rest of the family, it became a favorite place to vacation. Over the years, there was a lot of skiing, cribbage, a bit of wild turkey, and a few lies told on the golf course. Bill also liked to tie a fly and cast off in the Yampa River. A devout patriot, Bill always had a flag flying somewhere. Bill and Jean always managed to find time to indulge their love of travel and adventure. Beginning with countless family vacations and continuing throughout their life with the most recent being spectacular trips to South America, Scandinavia and Europe. But mostly, Bill was and would want to be remembered as, a family man devoted to Jean, his wife of 52 years, to his children, grand children and nieces and nephews. He was a steadfast and loyal friend who connected easily with people, making friends quickly wherever he went. He was a generous, kind soul and loved a good laugh. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean of Cedar Falls; daughters Kristin L. Card of Cedar Falls, Susan E. Card of Denver, CO, and Catherine J. and John Chelsvig of Urbandale; and three grandchildren, Margaret, William "Billy", Caroline "Libby" Chelsvig, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill died Sunday, March 26, 2006 at Allen Memorial Hospital of a coronary. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Cuba Hogue, Betty Coolidge, and Connie Totman; and brother, Donald Card.