Bill grew up in Minnesota Lake, a small town just outside of Mankato, MN. He played basketball and played the baritone while in high school. At age 19 he enlisted in the US Army. He attended Airplane Mechanics School and Aerial Gunnery School. While serving during WWII, he was a Flight Maintenance Gunner in Europe.
On December 19, 1967, he married Margaret Shingledecker. They moved to Washington when he was hired by Northwest Orient Airlines as a flight engineer and later an airplane mechanic.
Bill was always busy with woodworking, auto mechanics or just making something function better. Bill and Margaret with their dog, Mag lived in Kent, WA most of their married life. Margaret passed away in 2009 and Bill died from aspiration pneumonia complications.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill in person. I have heard many stories about him from my children, Chip, Sherry and Diane. He was their friend, neighbor and a part of their family. They will cherish all their memories of him. They loved him and will miss him very much! RIP Bill!
we are praying for your meeting with Margaret.
I had the pleasure of meeting you when I was very young, most my life you lived on Washington. I know the reunion in heaven will be a joyous one. God bless and R.I.P. Uncle Bill.
Goodbye to a great man. I’m so fortunate to have met you.
I was fortunate to be a friend to both Bill; and Margaret .Was also his coworker at Spokane WA.
Keep them flying Bill. RIP
I will miss visiting with Bill. He always had a positive attitude and a great smile. I will miss our talks about us both growing up in Minnesota, and about his service to our country during the war. Rest in peace Bill. And Thank you for your service.
Bill, you & Margaret will be forever in my heart. Make sure you both have a drink with Ralph for me.