On October 15 2018, William (Bill) Joseph Purcell passed away from an acute illness while surrounded with his loving wife Joyce and three sons Joe, Troy and Rick.
Bill was born to parents George and Mary Purcell on February 21st, 1945. He grew up in Helena in an area called the Six Ward. He attended Catholic schools until he graduated in 1963. He attended Carroll College and played football for 1 year. After separating his shoulder Bill went into the work force. He started his trade as an apprentice for the Reber Company. With hard work and dedication, he worked his way up to a Journeyman position for Tri County and later started his own successful company called Purcell’s Sheet Metal.
Bill also had a passion for farming, raising hogs and working in the garden and around the property. He loved working with his hands. He built his house, barns, fences and fabricate anything out sheet metal. If he could see it, he could build it and if was broken he found a way to fix it.
Bill Loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, trapping, hunting and fishing. He would talk with God each night holding mom’s hand. He taught his sons to pray every night and that the best place to see and talk with God is when you are climbing a mountain and looking at the stars or watching the sun come up.
Bill liked to go down and gamble on the machines each day with his loving wife Joyce. He would always talk about the gambling envelope and if it was full or down a little.
All that knew Bill loved him, they knew him as a trustworthy, hardworking man and that a handshake and looking someone in the eyes would be all you would need to close a deal. Bill lived life to its fullest and always left such a great impression on people that they never forgot his true nature. He was always jovial and somewhat of a prankster telling jokes and having a good time.
But what Bill loved most of all was his family. He would hug you so tight and never let go and never wanted you to leave. He would always put your needs ahead of his own. He taught his sons how to become men of character, which he led by example.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers Marty and Richard Purcell; Sister Kathy Humphrey.
Bill is survived by his Wife: Joyce Purcell, Sons and Spouses: Joe and Dutch Purcell, Troy and Krista Purcell and Rick and Tricia Purcell: Sister Marge Yeager: Brothers: Dave (Laurie) Purcell and Tom Purcell Grandchildren: Brooklyn Purcell, Brian and (wife) Bethany Purcell, Shawn Purcell, Heidi Guay and husband Adam, Rider Warren and wife Amanda and Cadie as well as four Great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A Pot-luck reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the service
Saturday October 20, 2018
ASW Reception Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the service
Saturday October 20, 2018
ASW Reception Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Susan Hart says
Joyce, Joe, Troy, Rick,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Bill.
He was a great guy and full of life, gone too soon.
Susan Hart (Tabbert)
Judith Foutz says
Joyce and family,
Words cannot express how sad I am at the loss of Bill. He was a blessing to all who knew him. You are all in our prayers. If we can do anything for you, please let us know.
Judi Dahl Foutz
Joann Longmire says
Joyce and family I am sorry to hear of your loss of Bill. He was such a great guy and will be missed. You are all in my prayers. God Bless.
Vanessa Tolson says
Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless you.
Mary Ann Bateman says
Joyce, Joe, Troy & Rick
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bill was a great guy and will be missed by many. He was Rudy and Betty’s favorite nephew, they really loved him and appreciate him helping them in their later years. They always looked forward to your family coming to visit on Christmas Eve and the 4th of July party. God Bless you all. Mary Ann & Terry Bateman
John & Cherie Dahl says
Joyce and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of mourning and in the future 🙏🙏🙏
Michael J Spurzem says
Joyce and family,
Very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Through the words expressed in this memorial and the photos you have shared in the class newsletter, Bill was an exceptional person. Wishing you peace at this difficult time.
michael spurzem
Bob Munzenrider says
To the Purcell family, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. I attended St. Helena School and Cathedral High School with Bill, and knew him well as a friend and a man of integrity. We both joined the Army Reserve upon graduation from CHS. I lost track of Bill when I left Montana for Phoenix and Minneapolis, but was fortunate enough to see him at our 50th class reunion. He will be missed.
Bob Munzenrider
Sally Nyland says
Joyce and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bill. Please accept my condolences and know you are in my
thoughts.