Charles F. (Bill) Gunstone was born to Wilfred & Lizzie Gunstone April 1st, 1938 and his grandmother promptly renamed him Wild Bill, a moniker that stuck throughout his life.
Bill attended grade, middle and high school in Helena and was the first graduating class of Helena High School. He attended Helena Vo-Tech studying diesel mechanics & welding and continued his education at Smith Mixer, Petty Bone, and Link Belt.
On June 18th 1965, Bill married Elma Lynch Amundson and created a family that included Elma’s son Karl, who Bill adopted and called his own.
Bill was a man of few words but had eyes that twinkled when he smiled. He enjoyed his family and life. He instilled a love of animals and the outdoors to his many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Bill and Elma’s home was a welcoming place and they were gifted with the ability to make everyone that entered feel welcomed and loved. In addition to Karl, they raised two nieces Susan & Lisa. Bill always told Elma that they had the three kids that they wanted; a son and two daughters. His family meant the world to him and he was always there when he was needed.
Bill was a jack of all trades and could find a way to make or repair almost anything. At 13 he scavenged up old car parts and built a jalopy to run up and down the alleys near his childhood home on Walnut Street.
Bill had a great love of the outdoors. He loved to hunt, camp, and fish and would often take pack trips into the Bob Marshall wilderness. In later years, Bill hunted with Russell and Wanda Munson at their ranch in Cardwell and developed a tradition to eat Chinese together afterwards.
Life was good and Bill & Elma knew it and appreciated it. They both believed that it wasn’t an accident they met; it was divine guidance. The Lord knew what he was doing when he gave them their family. Each person is special in their own way and of great importance to them.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Ellen and Rose Ann Gunstone, and close friend Tom Warren.
He is survived by his wife Elma, son Karl, grandchildren Kris Amundson, Kasey (Lynzie) Amundson, Michelle (Wayne) Cain, Ashley Wiltrout, Katy (Jarred) Oberg, Shane Woolsey, Drew Woolsey, Hannah Woolsey, and his very special birthday buddy Kyler (Alissa) Cain. Sister, Betty Lou, Brother-in-law Charles (Beverly) Lynch of Yacolt, WA, Sisters-in-law Ruth Bennett of Belpre, Ohio, Jenny (Larry) Laird of Chebanse, Illinois. Nieces & Nephews, Greg (Rita) Gibson, Susan Poyer, Sonny Pippin, & Lisa (Emery) Woolsey and close friends Russell & Wanda Munson & Betty Warren.
A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19th at Helena First Assembly of God, 2210 Dodge Ave. in Helena. Graveside services will follow the funeral service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be held at the church following the graveside service. Memorials in honor of Bill are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to the foundation of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 19, 2018
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday July 19, 2018
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 19, 2018
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday July 19, 2018
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mary Phelps says
We are so sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was such an intricate part of the crew at Mt Powder & Equipment Co.
Our love is extended to Elma and family.
Mike & Charlie Phelps
Candice Score says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Elma. Candy
Cathy Ireland says
Many fond memories of Bill. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you Elma and your family.
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
Elma and Karl, please know how sorry I was to learn of Bill’s passing. All the good ones are leaving us. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ethel (Gunstone) Anderson says
Elma and family. So sorry to hear Billy has gone backpacking and hunting for the last time. Not too many of us Gunstones left but I’m sure we’ll see each other again some day. Take care. God bless. Ethel
Pat Ross says
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. You are in our prayers.
Byron DeFord says
I worked with Bill at the old Montana Powder & Equipment. He was a good man and helped me a lot when I first started with the company.
Jessica (Warren) Saelua says
So sorry for your loss. I regret I won’t be able to attend. I loved the statement about his smile because I remember him always joking around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love you Elma.