William True
December 1, 1931 — June 9, 2017
William ”Bill” Frank True was born on the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Bill’s paternal grandparents on December 1, 1931, in Avoca, Iowa, as the son of Robert H. True and Bertha (Thies) True. He was named for his grandfathers, William Thies and Frank True. Bill grew up in Avoca and attended Avoca High School graduating with the class of 1949. After graduation he attended Iowa State College in Ames for two years majoring in Farm Operation and playing his trombone in the Iowa State Marching Band.
In 1951, Bill’s brother Bob started farming the home place. Bob was drafted into the Army and Bill took over the farming operations until he was drafted in the spring of 1954. After two years in the Army, brother Bob decided there was an easier way to make a living so did not return to the farm. As a result, Bill had his dad manage the farm while Bill served two years in the Army. Bill was stationed in Orleans, France with the USAREUR Supply Control Center. He was able to seize the opportunity to travel and explore a lot of Europe.
After being discharged, Bill returned to his home place and resumed farming raising cattle, hogs, chickens, milking a few cows, and planting corn, oats, hay and beans. The family farm was honored as a Century Farm in 2006 and Bill served three years on the East Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau Board representing Knox Township.
Bill was very active in the Avoca community as a member of various organizations and received many accolades serving in various leadership roles. He was a member of United Church of Avoca, Avoca Community Club, Avoca Historical Society, Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum and Avoca Courthouse Restoration, Leader of Boy Scout Troop 97; American Legion Post 227, Avenue of the Flags, and Mount Nebo Masonic Lodge 297. Accolades received were Avoca’s Man of the Year award in 1968; Avoca’s Farm Family award in 1997, Troop 97 Wacampsa District Award of Merit & Silver Beaver Award; and the Red Cross long time blood donor providing more than 12 gallons.
After being a bachelor for forty years, Bill met the love of his life Joyce Evelyn Barker Pieken, and they were married on January 7, 1972, at the Presbyterian Church in Avoca. The town celebrated with a big chivaree a month later as the bathroom was being remodeled to accommodate his new wife and three teenagers: Terry, Pam, and Tim. The family continued to grow with the birth of William “Bill”, II and Donna. When Bill had spare time he followed the True tradition of enjoying woodworking, building furniture, refinishing, and carving. He also sang in the church men’s and mixed choirs, and many quartets for funerals.
Bill died at home surrounded by his family on Friday, June 9, 2017, having attained eighty -five years, six months, and eight days. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers George and Bob Jr. He is survived by his wife of over forty-five years, Joyce True of Avoca; children Terry Pieken and his wife Connie of Waterloo, Iowa; Pam Beasley of Springfield, Missouri; Tim Pieken and his wife Linda of Avoca; Bill True, II of Avoca; Donna and her husband Jeff Slack of Viborg, South Dakota; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Mathers of Fort Collins, Colorado; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
In 1951, Bill’s brother Bob started farming the home place. Bob was drafted into the Army and Bill took over the farming operations until he was drafted in the spring of 1954. After two years in the Army, brother Bob decided there was an easier way to make a living so did not return to the farm. As a result, Bill had his dad manage the farm while Bill served two years in the Army. Bill was stationed in Orleans, France with the USAREUR Supply Control Center. He was able to seize the opportunity to travel and explore a lot of Europe.
After being discharged, Bill returned to his home place and resumed farming raising cattle, hogs, chickens, milking a few cows, and planting corn, oats, hay and beans. The family farm was honored as a Century Farm in 2006 and Bill served three years on the East Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau Board representing Knox Township.
Bill was very active in the Avoca community as a member of various organizations and received many accolades serving in various leadership roles. He was a member of United Church of Avoca, Avoca Community Club, Avoca Historical Society, Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum and Avoca Courthouse Restoration, Leader of Boy Scout Troop 97; American Legion Post 227, Avenue of the Flags, and Mount Nebo Masonic Lodge 297. Accolades received were Avoca’s Man of the Year award in 1968; Avoca’s Farm Family award in 1997, Troop 97 Wacampsa District Award of Merit & Silver Beaver Award; and the Red Cross long time blood donor providing more than 12 gallons.
After being a bachelor for forty years, Bill met the love of his life Joyce Evelyn Barker Pieken, and they were married on January 7, 1972, at the Presbyterian Church in Avoca. The town celebrated with a big chivaree a month later as the bathroom was being remodeled to accommodate his new wife and three teenagers: Terry, Pam, and Tim. The family continued to grow with the birth of William “Bill”, II and Donna. When Bill had spare time he followed the True tradition of enjoying woodworking, building furniture, refinishing, and carving. He also sang in the church men’s and mixed choirs, and many quartets for funerals.
Bill died at home surrounded by his family on Friday, June 9, 2017, having attained eighty -five years, six months, and eight days. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers George and Bob Jr. He is survived by his wife of over forty-five years, Joyce True of Avoca; children Terry Pieken and his wife Connie of Waterloo, Iowa; Pam Beasley of Springfield, Missouri; Tim Pieken and his wife Linda of Avoca; Bill True, II of Avoca; Donna and her husband Jeff Slack of Viborg, South Dakota; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Mathers of Fort Collins, Colorado; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
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