Bill was born on March 15th, 1935, in Missoula, Montana, to a family with deep roots in the area. His grandparents homesteaded in Miller Creek back in 1908. During the early years, Bill's grandparents hauled firewood to supply the University of Montana. Early in his life, Bill faced significant adversity when he lost both his parents by the age of 10. Following his parents’ deaths, Bill's brother Russ and sister-in-law Hazel took him in. Bill was resilient and embraced the virtues of hard work and self-sufficiency instilled by his Montana upbringing. As a young man, he followed in his family's footsteps, spending most of his life farming and running heavy equipment. Bill met the love of his life while working as a heavy equipment operator for Tom Plaggemeyer in 1964. After marrying Gladys, the couple moved around the state, building logging roads. Shortly after the birth of their first child, they built their first home near his brother Russ and settled permanently into the Miller Creek Valley. Bill’s passion was farming and ranching. Bill took immense pride in raising cattle and growing quality hay and various grain crops. Bill spent the last 4 months of his life in the memory care unit of BeeHive Homes, where he left his mark on all who came in contact with him. (The family is very appreciative of the loving care of all the staff there.) Faith was the bedrock of Bill's life. For nearly 60 years, he was an active and devoted member of Christian Life Center. He served as a board member and helped to lead the coffee ministry at Christian Life Center services. Bill’s love for others and his church community was an inspiration to all who knew him. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed being out in God’s creation and embraced any opportunity to work and spend time outdoors. Bill enjoyed hunting and was blessed to bag an impressive 7-point elk, which scored very highly in the Boone and Crockett's wild game scoring system. Bill's life was truly enriched by the family he loved so dearly. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gladys. Their marriage was a partnership of unconditional love and unwavering commitment. Bill was the proud father of son Gary, his wife Cindy, and their four daughters Catherine and her husband Brandon Hansen, Bethany, Jaelynne, and Faith. Bill is also survived by his daughter Renee and her husband Dave Bigart, as well as their children Zach and his wife Blake, Arianna, her husband Nathaniel Shamala, and great-granddaughter Ellie Asha. Above all, Bill was a man who lived life to the fullest. He pursued his passions wholeheartedly and cherished every moment with family and friends. We were all blessed to have Bill in our lives. His kindness, strength, and love will be dearly missed, especially his ever-present smile. Bill lived out the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31, which reads, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the Glory of God.” Bill made an undeniable mark on this world and on the hearts of all who knew him. Bill's beautiful legacy has set the standard high for his children, grandchildren, and friends to strive to match. Bill, may you rest in eternal peace.
