- Date Of Birth: October 13, 1946
- Date Of Death: October 9, 2021
- State: Iowa
William “Greg” Annexstad, 74, died from complications of lung cancer on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at MercyOne Medical Center in West Des Moines surrounded by family.
Greg was born on October 13, 1946 in St. Peter, MN to William and Evelyn Annexstad. He graduated from St. Peter high school in 1964 and Mankato (Minnesota) State University in 1968. Greg moved to Des Moines in 1978 and was a long-time employee of Northern Natural Gas in Redfield, IA.
Greg is survived by his wife, Mary Jean of West Des Moines; children: Kelley (Peter) Cole, William J. (Kristina) Annexstad, Patrick (Amy) Morrison, Paul (Cara) Annexstad, Robert (Jennifer) Annexstad, Kate (Matt) Gotschall, Matt (Catherine) Morrison; sister, Susan (Garry) Carlson. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, Caroline, Ernesto, Catherine, Ella, Quinn, Will, Giovanna, Taylor, Lauren, Sarah, Thea, Emily, Cole, Fenner and Asa. Greg was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Sandra (Gross) Annexstad.
Greg was very active at St. Augustin’s Parish and in the Catholic community. For many years, Greg enjoyed training youth to become altar servers, also helping with the religious education programs. Greg was instrumental in helping to bring CEW retreats and perpetual adoration to St. Augustin. For several years Greg was a cantor, lector and usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On Oct.5th 2013, he received the honors of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.
Sailing was truly one of his greatest joys in life. God, family and sailing. He was a member of the Saylorville Lake Yacht Club, serving on the board at various positions. He has been a certified sailing instructor for many years. He was one of the founders of the SYC Sailing School where he devoted countless hours teaching youth and adults the joy of sailing. He was also the Executive Director of the SYC Sailing School. God, family, sailing AND soccer. Many hours were spent playing the game, coaching, and refereeing youth, high school, college and Des Moines’ own Menace team.
He was former president of the Mid-Iowa Soccer Officials Association and former State Chairman of the Iowa Referee Committee. Greg was inducted into the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame. God, family, sailing, soccer AND singing. For several years, Greg sang with a barbershop quartet and many other barber shop groups. Singing was one his many great joys.
