William E. Bisom, Helena, Montana, took his final walk with Saint Peter on September 15, 2022, after saying farewell in the company of his loving family.
William (Bill) Edward Bisom was born July 20, 1927, to Earl Bisom and Leoise La France Bisom in Rolla, North Dakota, and grew up on the family horse powered farm with no indoor plumbing. His mother died when he was seven years old, and his older sisters and father were left to raise him and his younger brothers and sisters. When Bill was 15 years old, he struck out on his own and moved into town taking a job at the Vendome Hotel, where he tended bar and received room & board plus a weekly wage of $5. In high school he played basketball for the Rolla High School team, and basketball remained his lifelong favorite sport. In later years, he was a star pitcher in local league Fast Pitch Softball, which he avidly played for 20 years.
At the age of 17, he joined the US Navy in April 1945, and after boot camp was dispatched to Yokosuka, Japan to serve in the US Occupation Force as a “Sea-Bee” in the Construction Battalion. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he attended Minot State Teachers College in Minot, North Dakota. He later transferred to Seattle University in Washington State, where he met Barbara Peiton from Havre, Montana. They were married in Havre on June 12, 1950. He went to work for F. A. Buttrey Co. in Cut Bank, Montana, and later managed the F. A. Buttrey Furniture Store in Glasgow, Montana.
In the fall of 1956, Bill & Barbara moved to Helena, Montana, and opened the Marshall Wells Hardware Store in the Hustad Shopping Center. In 1966 they decided to sell the hardware business in large part because of competition from the influx of big box stores in the Helena area.
After selling the hardware business, Bill was hired by Monsignor Brown, President of Carroll College, as Manager of the college’s Business Office and Chief Purchasing Agent, positions he held for 18 years. Upon retiring from Carroll, he sold real estate part-time for 3 years. During his retirement years he was active in thoroughbred horse racing for 15 years, owning and racing horses in Montana and Spokane, WA. He had a great appreciation for both kinds of music: Country and Western.
Since moving to Helena, Bill and Barbara have been active members of the St. Mary Catholic Church and helped with fundraising for the new St. Mary church, which was built in the 1970’s.
Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara, and their seven-children: Michele (Tim) Hunter, Cathy, Mark, Jody (Jeff) Brandt, Dan, Paul (Betty), and Amy (JV) Moody. They are also blessed with 15 grandchildren, Dillon, Cory & Heidi, Casey (deceased), Shayla, James & Alyssa, Tom & Mike, Ashley & Madison, Chris & Manda and Greg & Stephen. Bill & Barbara are also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. His proudest achievement in life was his seven children who all graduated from college, five of them from Carroll College.
Bill came from a family of 10 children, five sisters and four brothers, who all preceded him in death, ranging from Helen at age three to Herman who died in the spring of 2022 at the age of 97.
A private family service due to Covid precautions will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, followed by Internment with full Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family asks that donations be made in his memory to St Mary Catholic Church or Carroll College.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Nicolle Seiller says
What a kind gentleman. My thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.
Patricia Mandeville says
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a good friend and good person. My condolences to Barara and the family.
Tom Naegele says
Bill was a very fine fella and Gentleman. He lived a long an Blessed life and a good man. He was a good mentor to me, during my business years and beyond. Always a professional manner and supportive nature along with sharing his good humor. Supportive prayer sent to the Bisom Clan and friend’s. RIP Bill 🙏🙏
Marty Schroeder says
Amy and family— your Dad was amazing and did so much with his life before he was even 17 years old! Cherish The memories you have. Sending virtual hugs.
Dudley Williams says
Bill was as fine an example of a person you would ever know. I’ve known him for over 65 years and never knew a kinder man . I’ve missed seeing him .
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
Bill was a wonderful and kind man. We are so sorry for your loss, Barb & Bisom family. Sending lots of love and prayers for peace for all of you. May Bill rest in eternal peace.
Shelley Hunter says
Due to COVID, the funeral will be Live Streamed. Family only will attend with COVID precautions. You can view the Funeral at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 22 on this link. https://youtube.com/c/SaintMaryCatholicCommunityHelena
Jeannie Hurley says
Cathy and family. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. Your dad had a great smile and a kind heart.
Sally Russell and Jim Wilcox says
Sorry to hear about Bill. He was a great man. Thought’s and prayers are with all of you, now, and the days ahead.
Karen Lundin says
Barbara & family,
So sorry to see Bill passed away. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this very sad time!
Jerry & Karen Lundin
Bobby Lavinder says
So, so sorry to see this!! Sending love, hugs and prayers to you , Barb and your entire family. May God bless you all with His peace at this sad time!
Carol Buerman says
Bills presence impacted so many people…he was admired for his presence, his faith, his smile, his beautiful family and his generosity. My prayers and sentiments are with you…it is never easy to be without the ones we love…but the love endures because in the end, that is all that remains❣️
Nick and Martha Ranalli says
Bisom Family,
Sorry to hear of Mr Bisom passing, he was such a gentleman. He was always there to chat with you when we attended Carroll College. Will miss the many times I would see him around town and we would have great conversation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bisom Family.
Delores Rosin says
Dear Barbara & family…..prayers for your comfort, strength, & peace during this difficult time. Bill will always be remembered for his
Great smile, calm & caring demeanor. He was a good friend & neighbor to Larry & I. Blessings & Love to all your wonderful family.
Gina and Sverre says
So sorry for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Gina and Sverre Johansen
Dacia Prather says
Dear Bisom family, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have fond memories of growing up across the alley…Bill always being a calm and loving neighbor. Sending you love, Dacia Prather (Berger) ❤️
Jon Moe says
I will remember him as being a very nice man…truly a gentleman.
David and Michelle Bisom says
David (Hank’s son) and I send our deepest condolences to Barbara and the entire Bill Bisom family. I had the privilege and honor of meeting your wonderful husband and father on the occasion of several family get-togethers. I’ll always remember “Uncle Bill’s” warm and welcoming smile, along with that endearing little twinkle in his eyes. Uncle Bill was such a kind snd caring gentleman. No matter how big the crowd, Uncle Bill always took the time to talk with me and make me feel like a welcomed part of the Bisom family. Uncle Bill always reminded me so much of David’s father, Hank. I had tremendous respect and admiration for both Bill and Hank….especially after I learned how young they were when their mother died and how basically they were on their own after that. Hank told me that he and Bill did many things together after their mother died and that they really looked after each other during those early years. Bill and Hank were such good-hearted, extremely hard-working men. Their love and pride in their families was obvious to everyone. Both of them were part of the “Greatest Generation” and such outstanding role models for all of us on how to treat others. Bill and Hank remained close their entire lives. David and I have no doubt that Hank was there waiting at the gates of Heaven with a big smile and open arms and to greet Bill. May all of those cherished memories from a lifetime of happy times provide comfort for all of you now. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Much love, David and Michelle
Jim Barrett says
What a wonderful and steady man my Uncle Bill was! Upon his return from the service so many years ago , everyone admired his gentle and compassionate attitude toward everyone in the family, but also toward others in the communities he was a part of. We all looked with wonder at the love he shared with Barbara and their ever-growing tribe of Bisoms. Of course, he will be terribly missed by all of us, but Uncle Bill will continue to live in our hearts and minds as long as we have breath and continue to remind one another of his life well-lived. We have all been so very blessed by his presence in our lives then and now! Persons are gifts, gifts given and received.
Lynn and Ralph Guay says
Dear Barb and family, Ralph and I would like to share our thoughts and prayers with you and tell you what a great guy Bill was and a terrific neighbor. He was very kind and had a great sense of humor. We so loved it when he was having a great laugh over something. We sure did miss you when you moved, but were so glad when you found such a delightful new home. Please know how much we care for you Barb and please let us know if we can offer you a helping hand with anything in the future. Love from both of us
Jimmy Weg says
It always was great to see Bill & Barbara at Dan & Mark’s BBQs. Bill was so pleasant and friendly to everyone and clearly treasured his family. I’m sure he’ll order up the most well done brats heaven has ever seen!
Dawn D Thompson says
Love to you all, especially to you Aunt Barbara, during this sad time. But may your hearts and minds be blessed with loving memories of time together.
Dawn, Andy, Marcus and Simone
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
Prayers for all the Bisom family! I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Cathy and your sweet husband Mrs. Bisom.May you all have special memories tucked in your hearts for safe keeping. It was such a joy to sit and visit with the three of you several years ago at Mrs. Lane’s memorial. May God bless all of you and bring comfort during these sad times ahead.
Sandra Gross and Family says
Thinking of you! Bill was a kind and gentle spirit. Our children grew up together and we have many fond memories that include your family. May your own memories get you through this difficult time. God Bless!