William Richard O'Malley

Born into a large and lively family, Bill was preceded in death by his six siblings; his beloved wife, Linda; and three of his children—Kory, Kevin, and Kris Ann. He is lovingly survived by his children Kelly, Kirk, and Kraig; his stepchildren Deborah, Patricia, and Jeffrey; 17 grandchildren; and more than 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a tremendous source of pride and joy throughout his long life.

Bill spent more than 40 years in the insurance profession, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Never one to sit still, he later enjoyed over 20 years of self-employment, where his natural gift for connecting with people continued to shine. Bill had a talent for making others laugh and putting them at ease—an ability that became one of his defining traits.

One of Bill and Linda’s greatest joys was gathering their family together for Christmas. Their unique humor and generous spirit came to life in the “care packages” they prepared each year—thoughtful (and often comically practical) bundles filled with household essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, cooking utensils, and even the occasional plunger. These gifts became cherished family traditions, sparking laughter, storytelling, and deep appreciation.

Bill will also be remembered for some unforgettable personal trademarks, including his famous peanut butter and green onion sandwiches—an unexpected combination that always brought a smile. A devoted Phoenix Suns fan, he rarely missed a game and enjoyed cheering on his favorite NFL teams as well.

Bill’s legacy is one of humor, warmth, resilience, and a profound love for family. His stories, jokes, and traditions will continue to echo through the generations he leaves behind.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be announced at a later date, to be held for family and friends both in Iowa and in Arizona.