It is with heavy hearts we announce William Charles “Bill” Willing, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2025, surrounded by family. He fought courageously, for seven weeks, against cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
Bill was born on February 12, 1948, in Glendive, Montana, to Seymour Frederick “Fred” and Ila (King) Willing. After his mother’s early passing, Bill and his sister Laura were raised for a time by their grandparents, the Kings, in Glendive while their father traveled for work. They later rejoined their dad after he married Bernice Drake, and the family grew to include sisters Jeri and Jean. Bill attended grade school in Great Falls and graduated from Helena High School in 1966.
As a youth, Bill earned the rank of Eagle Scout by hiking many miles through Glacier Park. He was involved in basketball and football and had a natural gift for conversation. His father once challenged him to meet a new person each day and report back—an exercise that shaped him into someone who seemed to know everyone, everywhere.
In 1966, Bill began college at the University of Montana, where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. More interested in adventure than academics, he used a 30-day flight pass to travel across the country with a girlfriend who was a flight attendant. When his grades dropped, his father left him a note: “Time to join the Army, son.”
Bill enlisted in 1969 as an infantryman at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was later accepted into the Warrant Officer Candidate Helicopter Flight Program at Fort Walters, Texas. He completed advanced helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and was assigned in April 1970 to the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, flying missions for Special Forces in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Bill flew 512 combat missions before being honorably discharged in 1971. He became one of the Montana National Guard’s most highly decorated Vietnam combat veterans.
Among his many awards, he was most proud of the Silver Star for valor in combat, the Distinguished Flying Cross for aviation achievement, the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious service, the Air Medal for heroism in flight, and the Purple Heart, awarded five times for combat wounds.
After returning home, Bill lived in Helena, where he met Sandie Stafford at the York Bar, which her uncle owned. They married in 1973 and moved to Deer Lodge, where Bill was assigned as administrator of the Montana Army National Guard helicopter unit. Their son Mike was born during that time. The family later moved to Marysville, where Bill built their beautiful home, which he fondly called “the cabin.” He was active in youth skiing through the Great Divide Ski Education Foundation and the U.S. Junior Olympic Ski Program.
Bill went back to college and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Business, a Master’s in Public Administration, and completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He rose through the Warrant Officer ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 4, then received a direct commission to Second Lieutenant, eventually retiring at the rank of Colonel after a 38-year military career.
After Sandie’s passing in 1999, her dear friend Nonnie Siegle helped Bill care for her. Unbeknownst to them, she set the two up before she passed. She told Bill to take Nonnie to dinner and open her car door. She told Nonnie to show Bill how to write a check and pay the bills. They followed her instructions, fell in love, and married in 2000. Bill adopted Nonnie’s son Michael and raised him as his own. He retired in 2004 due to a foot injury, and he and Nonnie moved to Anaconda in 2006, where Bill built their retirement home, large shop and sweeping backyard-his “Utopia.” He spent several years with his friend Tom McCarthy building a custom El Camino. Bill knew the El Camino had been painted just before his passing.
Bill and Nonnie also spent winters in Casa Grande, Arizona, where he loved working on and improving their second home. Selling that home was a hard decision.
Bill remained deeply involved in veterans’ organizations and public service. He was a member of the Blackfoot Warrior Society, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the Purple Heart Society, Disabled Veterans of America, VFW, and American Legion, where he served as a representative for the Anaconda A’s Legion Baseball Team, Chairman of the Southwest Montana Veterans Home Site Selection Committee and Trustee for the Southwest Montana Veterans Home Foundation.He was a past board member of the ADLC Airport Board and co-chair of the Domestic Animal Task Force.
Survivors include his wife Nonnie, sons Michael William Siegle (Kaeli), Mike Willing, sisters Laura (Lon) Schroeder and Jean (Tim) Mehrens, sister and brother-in-law Tara and Bill Gunsch, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Ila Willing; stepparents Ray and Bernice Pelo; sister Jeri; and his first wife, Sandie.
Special thanks are extended to Linda Moodry, Dave Williamson, and Tom McCarthy for their support of Bill and Nonnie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Montana Veterans Home, 65 Veterans Circle, Butte, MT 59701.
Bill was a bigger-than-life presence, a loyal friend and mentor, and a man known for his wit, honesty, and one-liners—some inappropriate, all memorable. His sharp sense of humor, radiant smile, and piercing baby-blue eyes left an impression on everyone he met.
Though he returned from Vietnam, he carried the weight of war every day, never forgetting his fallen brothers. He lived with PTSD and survivor’s guilt but never stopped serving veterans.
Rest now, Bill. No more night terrors. You served your country well, Soldier. You may have returned home from Vietnam, but in the end, you still gave your life for your country.
You’ve flown high in your last Huey, Buc4, and now you are at peace. We will love you and miss you forever. AMF.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602 starting at 1pm. Following the service, a burial of Bill’s cremains will take place at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery- Fort Harrison, 3550 Heroes Road, Fort Harrison, MT 59636. A reception will be held at the Green Meadow Country Club, 2720 Country Club Ave., Helena, MT 59602 following the graveside. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00pm
Friday September 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00pm
Friday September 26, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 26, 2025
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00pm
Friday September 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
3:00pm
Friday September 26, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 26, 2025
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
jeff and melissa sherlock says
So sorry to see that Bill has passed away. We were neighbors in the 1960’s and I always found Bill to be a delightful guy. I was proud of his service in the military in VietNam and beyond. Peace to his family.
Rick O'Connell says
There are some people that make an impact on your life when you first meet them that continues forever. Miss ya my friend. Say hi to Sandy and Jan. See you again sometime. Oakes
Dave Williamson says
So many memories! One of the best mentors a young soldier could ever have. You could fly the rotors off of those birds. Proud to have served with you. Remember the “Blues”. Thank you for your everlasting friendship and support. Truly a gentleman with Veterans best interests at heart. Thank you for being You. See you again my Friend.
Rick Utgaard says
Bill was my guardian angel in my younger days. He was special, and there will never be another Bill. I, along with so many others, will miss him. Thanks for our time spent visiting and talking. Love you CUZ!!
Greg crider says
I am blessed!! I flew with the best as a young Crew Chief. Jim Haynes, Huck Smith, Bert Gluckert,! Dan Gulley, Rick Bridwell, Bob Witham and COL Bill Willing. If I ever had any apprehension it was never with COL Willing. He was absolutely solid and in control. I built a Jeep for him. Just the way his wife wanted it, he had no say!! One of the best Soldiers I’ve ever met. God bless you Bill and everything you stood for!!!! SGM (RET) Greg Crider
Lori and Dick Schultz says
WE BECAME GOOD FRIENDS IN THE 80’S AT THE LAKE AND ENJOYED MANY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP. OH THE MEMORIES OF BOATING, CAMPING AND BONFIRES. (OF COURSE A LITTLE NECTER OF THE GODS}. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND AND SAY HI TO SANDY. OUR PRAYERS TO MICHAEL AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.
Stubby Williams says
A great man, a great Soldier. An honor to meet him. May he rest in peace.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Bill was a good friend from our National Guard days. Bill was not only an outstanding soldier, but a good many in so many ways. Our Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🇺🇸🙏
C.J. Lassila says
I worked with and had classroom training with COL Bill Willing. This was a happy, friendly guy. He smiled a lot and was one of those people just nice to be around.
One of the reasons I may be alive today is discussions with him about where to get cancer treatment (he shared about friends getting treatment locally and elsewhere).
SGM (Ret) Michael Russell says
Within my time with the Guard Bill Willing was among the best. Always a positive attitude and it was a pleasure to work with him in any capacity. SGM (Ret) Michael Russell
Caleb Nebeker says
When I first met the colonel I knew he was a person I wanted to be around. I worked for him as a young man on his property building fences, driveways, painting and many more things. He took me under his wing and taught me lots and I credit him for the person I am today. I’ve always looked up to him and my heart hurts for his family. I would spend evenings and nights with him and nonnie and sometimes would watch over their house and puppie when they visited uncle dick in Mexico. Bill was a man of courage, honor, and strength. He served his time in the war and then some. He always reminded me of how much he loved his wife and children. If ever a man had it all it would have to be Bill. Rest easy Colonel 💔 we love you. (Lord willing and the sun don’t shine)
jim haynes says
Looking back my friend, we made it through army flight school, got through that dammed ole war in Vietnam, went to college together in Missoula ,flew the hell out those wonderful huey’s all over Montana, shared a few cocktails together. All & all my friend a life well lived. I will miss you.
Toni Mountford says
The world has lost a wonderful person, that made a difference in this crazy world. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill 25 years ago when he married my best friend Nonnie Siegle. He not only opened his heart to her but also to her son Michael. He went as far as to adopt Michael and raise him as his own. Bill was an outstanding soldier, husband and father. He was always there to help anyone in need or just to make us laugh with his silly dad jokes. Nonnie,their son Michael and their new daughter- in- law, Kaely, were by his side when he took his last breath. It was peaceful and exactly how he would have wanted to spend his last seconds. Thank you Colonel Willing for making this crazy world a better place for all of us. God speed!! You will be sorely missed. Love you my friend.
Linda J. Moodry says
Tom and I were so sad and are struggling with the loss of our friend, Bill Willing. When they moved to Anaconda, we were so blessed to spend many great times with both Bill and Nonnie. We loved sharing stories and what was going on in Anaconda. We had many dinners and early on prime rib at the Lamplighter. His career fascinated us both and with my past military experience, we shared a lot. Thank you for your service to our country and for continuing to work for Veterans. Thank for your work and community involvement in Anaconda. Thank you for taking us into your family and treating us as such. We were so blessed to tell Bill “We loved him” and spend his last days with him. You will be so missed Colonel Willing, and we will miss your hugs! Here’s to you, Bill and thank you for all the love you gave to Nonnie. We love you!
J Chambers says
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in March of this year. Reading everyones messages of sympathy, sorrow and great times together, I think I missed out on sharing a wonderful friendship with Bill. I am happy that my cousin Nonnie shared a beautiful relationship with Bill and they were able to share the life they had together. Nonnie, family and friends of Bill, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. May the void you feel be filled with love and laughter of great memories shared with one another. Bill will always be missed. Honor his legacy by loving and living a fruitful life, paying it forward in his memory.
John R Morgan Jr says
Bill sighed me up in the Guards, the start of a long friendship. RiP Bill
Sheila Laslovich says
I had the honor of meeting Bill through the VA. Bill had such a kind presence who made all around him feel welcomed. May you rest in peace Bill. I count myself lucky to have known you.
Ric Bridwell says
Bashful Wilber…….
What a ride….
Errol Eileraas says
I first met Bill when he worked for the National Guard in Deer Lodge. Later, when I went to work for the National Guard I had the honor, pleasure, and sometimes frustration of working with him. The most important thing is that we always respected each other and were the best of friends. FLY HIGH my friend. I’ll see you on the other side. Errol
Tom MCCARTHY says
Thanks, Bill, for a good many years of sharing our interests in automobiles and a thousand other projects that we joined forces on. The relaxing visits to the shop were always enjoyable and looked forward to. It was great having you as a friend and neighbor. Life will certainly be less interesting without your presence. Rest in peace, and a big thank you for your service to our country.
Dick Shockley says
Bill was not only a friend, but also the most intelligent person I’ve had the pleasure to serve with, and strong back bones, always standing tall with leadership on behalf of HIS Veterans. Smart with heart, wit, and humor. Ya had to get up early just to keep up with Wilbur!
Nan LeFebvre says
My dear friend Nonnie,
There are no words. I know your pain, but I also know the joy you and Bill shared for 25 years. Let the memories and the love carry you through this difficult time. And know that I, and so many others are here for you and your boys.
Love, Nan