William T. Banks, or Bill Banks to his many friends, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his Beaverdale home surrounded by family.
Bill was born September 17, 1939, to Mary (Evans) Geiger and Harold Banks. He grew up in the same house he died in, a lifelong resident of Beaverdale.
He played in the area when it was, according to him, mostly a swamp. He caught frogs and made mischief as he attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and later Dowling, where his own children would eventually go. When he grew old enough to get a job, he worked at Tobins, the corner grocery store a few houses down from his home, stocking shelves, bagging orders, and helping himself to the occasional candy bar. As an adult, Bill served in the Army National Guard, worked as a bricklayer, then for several years, as a firefighter for the City of Des Moines Fire Department. He later worked security and fire safety at Firestone, and then as a supervisor in the plant. When he retired from Firestone after 33 years, he took a part-time job at Prairie Meadows, a familiar environment, where he enjoyed horse racing and gambling. Bill leaves behind a legacy of generosity, hard work, and humor. He loved his family and his friends and would do anything for anyone. A typical conversation with Bill started with his asking what you were up to. When you told him, his response was always, “Need any help?” If you were painting a house, St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Georgetown, or your new business space, your friend Bill would show up to help, often doing most, or all of the work for nothing more than a “Thank You.” He roofed our houses, loaned us his truck, bought us major appliances, and even mowed our lawns just because it was needed and he could do it. That’s the kind of man he was. He was not wealthy, but he was rich in spirit. He loved his family and his friends. He loved to gamble, especially to play cards. He was even an honorary member of the Society of Italian Americans, despite not having a drop of Italian blood in him. He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved “collecting” pens. He liked good food and good service. And he was a famously generous tipper. He was a character, funny and just a bit too blunt sometimes, but never without cause.
Bill lived life well, and we are all better for having known him. He will be sorely missed and always loved. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jo (Sinnott) of Georgetown; his children, Chris Banks of Chandler Arizona, Suzie Fredregill (Ray) of Des Moines, and Shelly Banks of Windsor Heights; three grandchildren, Meaghan Foshe (Grant) of Des Moines, Ian Fredregill of Des Moines, and Zachary Banks of Chandler, Arizona; and one great grandchild, Cameron.
Viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverdale on Monday, September 22 at 9 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m.
