William T. Winninghoff, age 75 of Montana City, passed away on January 1, 2019 surrounded by family and friends after a brief struggle with cancer. Bill was born in Butte, Montana on January 24, 1943 to Edward and Mae Winninghoff. He grew up in Philipsburg where he graduated high school. After graduating from Western Montana College in the ROTC program, he joined the Navy and attended the Navy Flight Academy. Throughout his career, he was a pilot for the Navy, worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington DC, was a pilot and part owner of Morrison Flying Service and was a helicopter pilot for the Army National Guard; retiring in 2003. He retired from Fish, Wildlife and Parks as Chief Pilot in January, 2010. He was awarded several medals and commendations throughout his career. Bill acquired his pilot Instructor License, mentoring many aspiring pilots. He had over 15,000 flight hours accrued.
On top of Winning Ridge, at Discovery Basin, on January 24th, 2008, Bill married his soulmate, Jane Nelson on their shared birthday.
Flying and skiing were Bill’s passions, along with camping, road tripping, boating and neon lights.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jane and his daughter, Cassy Mae Heikkinen, who is currently residing in Atlanta, GA and a traveling nurse. One of Bill’s proudest moments was when Cassy presented her BSN degree to him a few days prior to his passing. Also surviving is his brother, Bob and wife Carol of Philipsburg; Jane’s parents, Willis and Jeanne David of Marshfield, WI and Jane’s siblings, Sandy, Shari, Mary, Ken, Alan, Willis, Barb, Glen, Ruth, Larry, Shele and their families.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Davidson and brother, Michael Winninghoff.
A special thank you to Dr. Weiner and his staff. You truly are the “Best of the Best”.
WINNINGHOFF, William T. “Bill” age 75 of Montana City passed away January 1, 2019. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14th at St. Phillip Catholic Church, 430 South Main Street in Phillipsburg, Montana. Burial will follow the Mass at the Phillipsburg Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at Winninghoff Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name may be made to VFW Post 8292, 14 Maxville Road, Philipsburg, MT 59858 or to the Rotary Club of Philipsburg c/o Granite Mountain Bank, PO Box 10, Philipsburg, MT 59858; please put “Winninghoff Park Fund” in the memo.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2019
St. Philip's Catholic Church
430 South Main Street
Philpsburg, Montana 59858
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday June 14, 2019
Philipsburg Cemetery
Philipsburg, Montana 59838
Luncheon
Following the Burial
Friday June 14, 2019
Winninghoff Park
Philipsburg, Montana 59838
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2019
St. Philip's Catholic Church
430 South Main Street
Philpsburg, Montana 59858
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday June 14, 2019
Philipsburg Cemetery
Philipsburg, Montana 59838
Luncheon
Following the Burial
Friday June 14, 2019
Winninghoff Park
Philipsburg, Montana 59838
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allen stenhjem says
JANE,
Words can,t tell you how Glenda and I fell about our feeling at this time, Bill was not only a fine man a true gentleman, he was a best friend. so many things we,ve all done together ,lets try and remember the Good Times,The River Bends, Lake House, Bucken Horses, Road Trips. Coon Nite. GOD BLESS BILL …………………………….
Glenda and Allen Family
Steve lantz says
Jane,
So very sorry for our loss. Bill was a great person and will always be remembered. Your friend Steve Lantz
Susan & Rich Proul says
Jane…we are so very sorry for your loss. Many many memories will stay close in your heart and he will always be with you. He will be forever missed at raccoon club and everywhere. You’re in our thoughts and prayers….
Bill Moore says
Jayne was very shocked to hear of bill passing he was always smilling and seemed so happy we both came from Pburg and both called Bill
Barbara Nikolai says
Jane; So sorry. Bill was a good man, the best. Feel comfort that you found each other and he loved you. We will all miss him dearly.
Patty Wood says
Sending my deepest condolences to Bill’s family. I had lots of fun working with Bill while in the MT Army National Guard when he was the safety officer. Rest In Peace.
Bob Gilbert says
Jane. May you have comfort during this time. Bill has been a longtime friend. We go way back. I’ll miss my friend
We will all gather at Bills office to celebrate his life
Bob
Erin Sweeney says
Auntie Jane, this is incredibly sad and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Much much love and comfort to you.
Bob and Jan Steffan says
Janie, words can’t express what Bob and I are feeling at this sad time. We will remember all the great times we had with you both. Bob especially will remember Bill from the time they were children on into adulthood. You two were so good together, your love for each other will shine through always. Our love to you always.
Denise Marie Hayden says
Jane so sorry about Bill Didn’t know he was sick. My best memory was when you girls dressed him up for Halloween every year, he was always smiling. Love Ya
.
Sally Russell and Jim Wilcox says
Jane words can’t describe how sad I feel for u and the family. U and Bill were very special friends and I can only imagine how the emptiness and sadness inside of u at this time. A great man he was. All though I am unable to be there in person to support u during this most difficult time, I will be there in spirit. I love u my friend. 🙏🙏🙏🙏😢😢😢❤️
Thomas Juhl says
Met Bill in 1963 when I worked in Philipsburg, we became friends but lost each other when I returned to Helena at the end of the summer. R.I.P. my friend…….
Kryss Kuntz says
Jane, and family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of yet,another great man! He surely was a “gentle”man. Always, had a kind word and a warm smile whenever you saw him.. His gracious spirit will be truly missed in the Helena community and for all those he touched. May he now take his helicopter ride to Heaven and be forever in your sky and heart! Prayers to you all. 🙏😢🤟
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
Jane & family… My sincere condolences to you and the family.Will really miss Bill with that contagious smile and great attitude on life.Always fun to chat with Bill on a variety of subjects. He will be missed by all that knew him!Bill is now flying with the angels… hope they can keep up !
Michael Murphy says
Hello Jane, you and Bill are both wonderful, he will be missed, Bill say hello to all our ol friends, I will miss you, I just skied Winning ridge and tought about you a lot, I am leaving the Country and won’t see everyone, you will always have my thoughts.
Mary Converse says
Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and will greatly be missed. My love to you and your family. Love ya Janie.
Ronda Olsen says
So sorry for your loss. I am Rose Marie Winninghoff and Olsen’s daughter and my thoughts and prayers are with you all
John Curry says
Just found this notice, and am very saddened. Bill and I became friends at Carroll, so many years ago. It was always a distinct pleasure to run into him again. I’m sorry for our loss.
Larry Sem says
I am so sorry for your loss Jane. I think it really hit me when I turned the corner to pull into the parking lot at his “office” and the familiar site of his Bronco was not there! As you know, Bill was always there to help me with my camper. He was the only one I would trust to back it in to the very tight space in my back yard, and I never even had to ask him. He was always there for me, as I’m sure he was for everyone. He will be missed by anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. I know this is a very difficult time for you Jane, but please know that we are all praying for you and the rest of your family. RIP Bill.
Cassandra Abbott - Kozimor says
Jane, I just heard about Bill so very sorry for your loss, he was a great friend of mind and will be much missed.
RIP Bill Flying high in the sky
Natalie Simmons and Andy Forsythe says
Dear Jane, Was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We are so thankful to him for his military service and to his service to his home state Montana. We were so proud of him last year when he shot his elk! You and Cassy were the loves of his life. We will all keep fond memories of this beautiful, gentle man.
Ray Beck says
Jane, Bill and I met when he first moved to Helena, we had some good times together. Although our lives took different paths, I never forgot Bill and the friendship we developed. Sorry for your loss, he was a great person.
Ken Inabnit says
I flew with Bill for many years in the Montana Army National Guard. He was a good pilot and always fun to be around. One of my favorite memories of Bill is from one of our annual training events in Boise, ID. The night before we were to come home Bill found out his helicopter had a maintenance problem and would have to be left in Boise. Since he didn’t have to fly a helicopter home he celebrated a little too much that night. The next morning Bill was not in great shape. I put him in the front seat on my helicopter, locked the shoulder harnesses and headed for Helena, Bill didn’t wake up until our first fuel stop. He was at least able to talk the rest of the trip home.