Memorial

William E. Blake, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa.

Bill, affectionately known as "Billy" to most, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Billy was born on October 25, 1938, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Russel and Marie (Christoffersen) Blake. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist Four from 1957 to 1959. Following his military service, he earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees from Iowa State Teachers College.

Billy devoted his professional life to education. He began his career at West Waterloo High School, where he taught social studies, coached wrestling and girls' tennis. He later became a school administrator, serving the Waterloo Community School District with distinction. Throughout his career, Billy was respected as an educator, mentor, coach, and leader who cared deeply about the success and well-being of his students and colleagues.

Billy believed in giving back to his community. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army and was a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Beyond his professional and community service, Billy found joy in life's quieter moments. He was an avid reader who loved writing poetry, often finding inspiration in the beauty and tranquility of his beloved "Roost" in Buckingham, Iowa, where he spent many treasured weekends tending to his more than 200 hosta plants. The Roost was a place of peace, reflection, and creativity where family gathered and many of his poems were born. Billy also enjoyed wood carving, collecting antiques, and fly fishing the Volga River, hobbies that reflected his creativity, appreciation for craftsmanship, love of history, and deep connection to the outdoors.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Nancy (Johnson) Blake; his son, Eric Blake (Angie); his daughter, Barbi "Chicks" White (Michael); his grandchildren, Alysse Castaneda (Armando), Kyle Blake (Christina), Emilee White, and Clay Blake (Michelle); his great-grandchildren, Braxton Blake and Adalyn Blake; and his dear cousins, Liane (Christoffersen) Nichols and Linda (Denkinger) Parrott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Marie Blake; his brother, James Blake; and his dear cousins, Steve Showers and Tom Parrott.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Billy's memory.

A memorial service celebrating Billy's life will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2410 Melrose Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Luncheon to follow.

Billy's legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the students and athletes he inspired, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. Whether in the classroom, with loved ones, or at the Roost with a good book, a carving, or a poem taking shape, he lived a life of purpose, curiosity, and generosity. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.