William "Bill" Lovell Jr.

The beloved William “Bill” Lovell Jr. passed away Oct. 13th with his loving wife of 60 years, Carole, and family by his side. Bill was born on December 25, 1939, to William Sr. and Ila Lovell, at the family’s log cabin in Hamilton, Montana, located near Blodgett Canyon, which was named after his Great Grandfather.

Bill’s family moved to Missoula where he attended Franklin Elementary School. He was very proud of being a Franklin Alumni. He loved to tell stories of growing up on 10th street, getting up at 4:30am starting in the 3rd grade for his paper route, and memories with his lifelong friends.

Bill graduated from Missoula County Public School in 1958, where he met his high school sweetheart. Bill and Carole were married on July 1, 1961. Bill knew Carole was the one for him when she helped wash his car.

Bill graduated from the University of Montana with a Marketing degree. While attending college, he managed to work two jobs so Carole could stay home with their first daughter, Teresa.

After college, Bill started his successful career in insurance. The family lived in Medford and Beaverton OR, Great Falls and then Havre, where Bill and Carole welcomed their second daughter, Kristen. After traveling across Montana working as an claims adjuster with GAB Insurance, Bill was promoted to manage the GAB office in Billings. Bill served as president for the Montana Insurance Adjustors Association. Bill also worked at J&A insurance then later started his own business, Lovell Adjusting, and moved his family back to Missoula.

Bill loved watching basketball and football and was a big Griz fan. In later years he couldn’t go to the games, so he’d call his sister Rett so he could get updates on the game. Dad would say, Go Griz! Bill also loved to fish and work in his yard.



Bill was loved by all. He was a kind man with a giant heart and always had a smile on his face. Bill was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends if they were in need. Dad would say, follow the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”


Bill had many titles - Dad, Grandpa or Popie. He loved his family very much, and would end conversations with, I love you! You could always count on him no matter what, and we were so blessed to have him in our lives. Bill was especially proud of his three grandchildren, Zach, Katie and Conor.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carole Lovell; his two daughters Teresa (Jeff) Smith; Kristen (John) Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Zach Charette, Katie and Conor Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Don (Pat) Lovell, Retta (Dan) Ekstrom and Robert (Susie) Lovell. Sisters in law Hazel McAlear and Eunice Thomas, and many treasured nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Sr. and Ila Lovell; sister and brother-in-law Peggy & Paul Layton; great nephew Ty Layton, in-laws Rex & Myrtle McAlear, sister-in-law Norma McAlear and brother-in-law Keith McAlear.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of St. Patrick’s Hospital for taking care of Dad.

Also, a special thanks to all those who live on Jeff Drive for looking out for Dad when he’d ride his scooter or would take the time to say hi!

There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at a later date. Donations may be directed to the Watson House and/or the Poverello. Online Condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com