Bill Wooley

Bill Wooley, 81, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February, 14, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Townsend, MT on April 12, 1934 to Vernard and Velma Wooley. He grew up and attended school in Townsend except for the three years that he and his mother spent in Sunset Beach, CA, while his father served in the Second World War. At age 17 Bill left school and joined the Navy where he was deployed overseas during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from the service he returned to Townsend where he meant the love of his life Ilene "Jan" Gensel. In January of 1958 they wed in Helena, Mt.

They started their life together in Helena where he worked for Empire Fish Co. When the company transferred to Missoula in 1960 Bill and Jan picked up roots and moved too. Shortly thereafter he started his lifelong career as a mill right with Champion International. After 28 years he retired, as a supervisor, from the company.

Bill could be found with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping, rafting or anything that involved the great outdoors. Putting his family first, he never missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in their many activities. From September to December he could be found in the north end zone of Washington Grizzly Stadium cheering on the Griz. Bill never liked to miss out on a good time.

These good times included his involvement with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. As a 30+ year member of FOE 32, he had a huge impact in raising money for the many charities that the Eagles supported. After holding all the seats in his local lodge, he was elected State Aerie President in 2002. In 2012 he was honored to hold this position again, alongside his wife Jan, who was the Madame State President that year. We know that he will be dearly missed by his many Eagle brothers and sisters.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Vernard, his mother Velma, and his infant brother Timothy. He is survived by his brothers Dan (Virginia) Wooley of Helena, Mt and Jim (Marguerite) Wooley of Cameron, Mt; his loving wife Jan Wooley; his spoiled rotten black lab Sassy; his three children, Shelley Weldon of Pahrump, NV, Jeannie (Jeff) Painter of Missoula, Mt, and Douglas (Johnna) Wooley of Glasgow, Mt; his eight grandchildren, Aubrey (Tyler) Boaz, Jason (Christina) Nuckolls, Tyler (Brandi) Weldon, Justin (Bonnie) Wooley, Jessica (Rudy) Barlow, Drew Wooley, Zachary Weldon and Naomi Wooley; six great grandchildren, Everleigh and Brogan Weldon, Jaxson and Jeremiah Wooley, Rylie Nuckolls, and Tycen Boaz; four nephews, four nieces, and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held to honor Bill on Saturday, February 20th at 11 am at Garden City Funeral Home. A reception, immediately following the service, will be held at the Eagles Lodge.
Bill's piss and vinegar attitude will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and Sassy.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Bill Wooley's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.