William R. Elsbury

William Robert Elsbury, 87, of Mason City, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A celebration of William’s life will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 3-7 p.m., at the All-Vets Center, 1603 S. Monroe Ave. The family requests casual dress.

Bill was born in Rockwell, Iowa, to Robert and Helen (Hodge) Elsbury on February 8, 1937. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1954. After graduation, Bill then went on to work construction with his dad for a couple years, until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956. Bill bravely served his country for three years, being honorably discharged in 1959. Later that year, Bill was united in marriage to Laura Parks at the Rockwell Methodist Church. To this union, the couple were blessed with 3 boys.

Bill worked for KIMT and KGLO TV as a broadcast engineer from 1959 until his retirement in 1999. He truly loved his job and often spoke highly of his time there.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed his ham radio, astronomy, and aviation. He was very interested in science and enjoyed learning new things. Bill also was very artistic and enjoyed working on many projects on the computer, and he loved to share them with his family and friends. He had a love for the Glen Miller Band and old music that he listened to on his stereo equipment.

Bill will forever be remembered for his loving spirit and caring soul. Family was most important to him, and he loved to spend time with them. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.

William is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laura Elsbury; sons, Robert Elsbury, Dave Elsbury, and Alan Elsbury; grandchildren, Shawn (Jillian) Elsbury, Jason (Amy) Elsbury, Kristin (Aaron) Patrick, and Blake Fischer; several great-grandchildren, sister, Janet Renner; and a brother, James Elsbury.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Elsbury; brother, Donald Elsbury; daughters-in-law, Zhu Elsbury and Tara Elsbury, and many great friends and family members.