Dear Church Family,

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Bill Vosburg on Tuesday, quietly and surrounded by family, after a short illness. Bill was a lifelong member of Grinnell UCC. He was also a longtime trustee and devoted lay leader of this congregation. The work of Bill’s hands, both figurative and literal, can be seen almost anywhere you look in our church. From sitting on committees, to singing in our choir, to mowing our church lawn each week, along with so much else, Bill’s dedication to this congregation was without parallel. By example, Bill demonstrated the commitment to faith through service so central to the history and ethos of our congregation. He was a true son of Grinnell United Church of Christ-Congregational.

Like so many of you, I was devastated by the news of his sudden passing. In the short while that I’ve been here, Bill’s gentle yet firm leadership was something that I knew I could always rely on.  His kind smile was a constant source of reassurance. His honesty, humility, and devotion to family, faith, and community an exemplar I could look to. Bill’s presence in our church will be sorely missed. 

Bill leaves behind his wife (Pam), his mother (Wilma), his four children (Allison, Blake, Joanna, and Nate), his grandchildren, and so many friends in this church, and in the wider Grinnell community.  I ask that you hold all of them in prayer as they experience this time of sudden loss and grief.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at our church this Monday, August 20th at 10:30am, with a luncheon following the service. A family visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home this Sunday, August 19th from 2-5pm. I ask that all of us do our best to attend these events and be present for the Vosburg family in the same way Bill was so often present for us.

May God bless you and keep you in the days ahead. 

Sincerely, 

Ethan