William “Bill” Gotto Sr., age 76, of Pierson, Iowa (formerly of Anthon, Iowa) passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Anthon Community Methodist Church of Anthon, Iowa. Pastor Karen Handke will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Westfork Township Cemetery of Climbing Hill, Iowa.
A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Anthon Community Methodist Church of Anthon, Iowa.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
William Leo “Bill” Gotto Sr., the son of Henry A. and Laura “Joyce” (Gapen) Gotto, was born on April 16, 1949, in Anthon, Iowa. He grew up in the Anthon and Oto, Iowa areas and received his education from Anthon-Oto High School.
After high school, Bill went to work for his brother-in-law, Emmett, at Book Trucking as a livestock hauler. Over the next 30 years, he drove for several trucking companies, most recently Hirschbach Truck Lines. An injury eventually led to his retirement in 1987.
On July 17, 1976, Bill married Christine Hickson in Onawa, Iowa. They began their life together in Correctionville, Iowa, before settling in Anthon, where they lived for 30 years. The couple was blessed with six children: Billy, David, Leslie, Lisa Jo, Christopher, and Katrina. In 2008, they relocated to Pierson, Iowa.
Bill found joy in woodworking, fishing, lawn mowing, thrifting, and collecting ink pens. He was a long-time member of the Little Sioux Fishing Club and ran his own bait shop in Anthon for many years. One of his fondest childhood memories was when his father purchased a brand new WD Allis Chalmers tractor in 1953; a treasure that stayed with him throughout his life. In 2013, his children lovingly tracked it down and bought it back for him. Bill loved good conversation and was known for telling stories, sometimes with a bit of embellishment. He shared a special bond with his sister and best friend, Helen, with whom he spoke to almost every day. Above all, Bill cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory include his children Billy Gotto Jr. of Sioux City, IA, David (Stacey) Gotto of Salix, IA, Leslie (Josh) Gray of Correctionville, IA, Lisa Jo Gotto of Pierson, IA, Christopher (Nicole) Gotto of Correctionville, IA and Katrina Rose of Hornick, IA; 11 grandchildren: Jacob (Allysia), Nathan, Kiera, Karissa, Cyler, Colton (Chrissa), Logan (Alexia), Karsten (Aubrey), Landon, Jax, and Kolsen; 4 great-grandchildren: Nash, Alaina, Porter, and Elyiah; sister Helen Book of Anthon, IA; sister-in-law Tina Gotto of Jacksonville, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Joyce Gotto; wife Christine Gotto; infant daughter Laura Jeane; great-grandchildren Peyzlee and Adalyn; brothers Bob (Reta) Gotto and Nick Gotto; brother-in-law Emmett Book; many extended family members and loved ones.
