Clinton, Iowa - William "Bill" Rose, Jr. 82, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away at the Alverno on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Funeral services take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel. A visitation occurs 2 hours prior from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Burial takes place at the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of William Rose Jr. during this difficult time.

William was born April 4, 1943, in Rock Island, Illinois the son of William Sr. and Annabel (Johnson) Rose. He was a 1961 graduate of Clinton High School, where he excelled in track - participating at the Drake Relays and placing 1st in discus his Senior year.

William was united in marriage to Melvena Simpson on December 1, 1962, at the Bethel AME Church in Clinton, Iowa, where he was a life-long member.

William worked in Supervision for E. I. Dupont in Clinton, retiring in 2001 after a 32-year career.

William loved sports whether it was watching or coaching - wrestling, football, swimming, basketball and baseball - even after his children graduated, he continued to help where ever he could - he loved helping and mentoring children and young adults. He was also an active supporter of the "Children Reading with Children." When William wasn't active in sporting events, he loved to grill for his family and friends. He also enjoyed taking trips and cruises with his wife. William was a wonderful man that would drop everything he was doing if someone needed his help. Above all, he loved his children and grandchildren dearly and never missed a special family event.

William is survived by his wife Melvena of Clinton, Iowa, one daughter - Paulette Rose of Palo Alto, California; four sons - Rod (Kristina) Rose of Davenport, William "Bill" (Becky) Rose III of Verona, Wisconsin, Christopher "CJ" (Lesley) Rose of Plainfield, Illinois. And DeShon Gaither of Maine; Grandchildren - Lexus, Will, Quinton, Olivia, Zoë, Isiah, Arianna; one sister - Patricia Dorman of East Moline, Illlinois.; with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including his Breakfast Club friends.

Preceding William in death are his parents; and his sister Carol.

Memorials made can be directed to the family.

Fond memories and condolences for William's family may be shared at www.lemkefuneralhomes.com, obituary page or the Lemke Funeral Home Facebook page.