William Frederick “Bill” Vander Meulen, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 23, 2026, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by the love of his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

Bill was born on November 2, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Robert and Mary Vander Meulen. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and married the love of his life, Elaine (Ernst) Vander Meulen, on June 4, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Bill dedicated 35 years to John Deere, where he formed lifelong friendships and proudly participated in the John Deere bowling league. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed the chance to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Yankees. Whether it was bowling, watching a game, or traveling with his family and friends, Bill looked forward to each event. 

Above all, Bill loved his family. He adored his grandchildren and took every opportunity to teach them the value of doing things with their own hands—believing that the skills you learn yourself are the ones that stay with you for life. He treasured caring for his wife of 60 years, often spoiling her with everyday tasks.

Bill is survived by his wife, Elaine Vander Meulen; his daughters Lisa (Shawn) Decker and Cindy Vander Meulen (Ron Wagner); his daughter-in-law, Amy (Steve Beireis) Vander Meulen; his grandchildren Ryan Decker (Logan Hagood), Carley Vander Meulen, Andrew Decker (Elyse Dromeshauser), Colten Vander Meulen (Paige Oberman), and Derek Vander Meulen (Kaitlyn Blasen); his brother Rich Vander Meulen; sister‑in‑law Ellen Vander Meulen; extended family including Diane Kotz; Carla Ernst; Carla Ernst Chumbley; Steve and Gale Ernst; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Vander Meulen; his son William “Bill” Vander Meulen; his grandson William Joseph Vander Meulen; his parents‑in‑law Carl and Olivia Ernst; his siblings‑in‑law Dale Ernst; Gary and Carol Ernst; Leonard Kotz; and his brother Robert Vander Meulen.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the MercyOne ICU team in Des Moines for their compassionate care.

Memorials in William’s memory may be directed to the family.