L.W. "Bill" Lohry

L.W. "Bill" Lohry, 82, of Sioux City passed away peacefully Friday, June 6, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at First United Methodist Church, 19th and Nebraska, with the Rev. Roger Madden officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and during the luncheon following the service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bill was born Aug. 30, 1925, in Bloomfield, Neb., the second son of A.W. "Al" and Anna Belle (Schott) Lohry. He graduated from Central High School in 1942, and then served in the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician's mate in World War II.

Bill married Doris Ann Raun on March 20, 1948. She died Oct. 24, 2006. He graduated first in his class in chemical technology from Iowa State College in 1949. Bill's father, Al, founded Kay Dee Feed in 1928. Bill, with his brothers, Royal and Kermit, operated the company after his father, Al, passed away in 1954. He enjoyed creating new products to benefit agriculture and promoting those products. He enjoyed his work as much as he enjoyed play.

He enjoyed spending his summers in Canada with family and friends, fishing, boating, tinkering and building. Bill was an instrument-rated twin-engine pilot and enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Baron. Bill was a passionate cook and loved to entertain guests. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and had been a member of Landmark Masonic Lodge 103 A.F. & A.M.

Bill was a devoted husband. After his wife, Doris, suffered a debilitating stroke, he dedicated his life to her care and rehabilitation. Bill and Doris raised four children. He saw all of them graduate from college, get married, get jobs and have children of their own.

Bill is survived by a daughter, Chris and her daughters, Kate, Sarah and Anna; a son, Dirk and his wife, Bonnie and their children, Ann, Jessica, Mark and Kevin; a son, Raun and his wife, Shawn and their children, Joel, Stephanie, Alexa, Aaryn and Megan; a son, Eric and his wife, Patty and their children, David, Molly, William and Maureen; and two great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; and his brothers, Royal and Kermit.

He will be missed by his family, his close friends and the many great people in the agriculture industry.

Bill has established the Doris and Bill Lohry Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation for students pursuing careers in agriculture. Memorials are in preference to flowers and can be sent to Doris and Bill Lohry Foundation, P.O. Box 2238, Sioux City, IA 51104.