WILLIAM J WOHLERS
Bill was called home to be with his Lord Wednesday, January 17, 2024. He was born in New York City on October 27, 1942.
As a child his family moved to New Jersey. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Army. He came to know the Lord while in the Army and from then on dedicated his life to serving the Lord. After completing his education in theological studies, he pastored a church in New Jersey and then in 1971 he moved his family to Big Timber, MT to pastor a church. He pastored several churches in Montana and then became the chaplain at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. He and his wife have enjoyed the last 10 years of retirement in Helena.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Life Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback St., followed by a reception at the church.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 27, 2024
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday January 27, 2024
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Lowell Bartels says
What a monumental man. A man of God to all people. He stilled the hearts of many with his love and power of the Lord. I will never forget when I was with him at M S P and how he boldly taught the men about Jesus. Some men would speak out against him but he always brought them back sternly but kindly. Reminding them that Jesus was the one on the cross and not them.
Kimberly Buck says
Bill and Marilyn were very good neighbors for years to my husband’s mother Gloria Buck in Deer Lodge! Also Bill was used in a great way for a friend of mine who was in a hard family situation, that others were afraid to touch, but he went in caringly, being led by the Lord to help this family; thank you Bill; RIP- Raised In Praise & Power!!
Kimberly Buck
Steve Strock says
Always enjoyed my early morning breakfast with Bill over the last 9 years. We always had great times laughing and sharing our love for Christ and serving Him.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
Extending our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family. Always enjoyed Bill’s sermons and have fond memories of driving the U-Haul from Plevna to Deer Lodge when they moved. May you be comforted by such memories.
Darrell & Karen Losing says
Bill pastored in my hometown Plevna, Montana back in the 1970s and we connected then through family members. I enjoyed visiting with Bill and sharing through the years about the hope of the Gospel and various church activities. Bill loved to talk about biblical promises and our salvation through Christ. We moved from Deer Lodge in 1986 and I missed our opportunities to connect regularly after that. My prayers and sympathies to you Marilyn and the family members. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Bill will certainly be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere sympathy go out to Marilyn and the family as you navigate this difficult time.
Larry Renney says
Bill always had good words of wisdom at Bible Study Fellowship, and our Monday morning bible studies at super one foods. I was surprised to learn of Bill’s passing, as I seen him at BSF on Monday at Shellie’s Cafe. Bill will be missed. Praying for his wife and kids.
Marsha Stock says
Bill was an amazing person who truly loved the Lord. Rudy and I will miss visiting with him in church. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Marilyn and family.
Jon Jackson says
I worked at the Capital City Health Club when William would come in to work out, but he would also spend a lot of time at the counter just visiting with me. I enjoyed his friendship and his may stories. I kept asking and encouraging him to write down his stories, especially the ones from the Prison, so others could read them. I miss his friendship and I know God has welcomed home a Soldier.
chuck amdahl says
I remember well Bill’s heart – not the aging heart within, but the great heart that was everywhere evident in the life he lived. This heart grew incredibly strong for his Lord, yes – as did his love and admiration for Marilyn. These along with a father’s love and pride for son and daughter were forever part of our conversations. On a lighter note – and I know Bill will approve of this addition! – Bill was surely a champion of “one-liners” which, when coupled with his humor, wit, and smile, could disarm anyone. Anyone! Thank you, Wohlers Family, for sharing your husband and father with us….
Sherri Ohs-Mosley says
Marilyn and family,
My heart is broken for you. Although I didn’t know Bill long, he prayed diligently for my family and the results were astounding. He was such a man of God and it showed in everything he said and did. He loved you all with his whole heart and heaven welcomed a beautiful soul into the Kingdom. God Bless your family during this time of loss.
Ily
Brian Curtiss says
Even though I only knew him briefly by attending bible study with my father, I could tell quickly he was man of God. He was well spoken and witty. He had many interesting stories about working in the Prison. Bill was a great family friend to my parents and was there for my father after his loss. Thank you. I know he will be missed by all of his family and friends. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Sandra Buck says
My husband and I met Bill and Marilyn when they moved to NJ. By God’s providence we went to the same church only to discover we lived only a block apart. We became best friends immediately. Lots of memories were made during the years. One of the saddest times of my life was the day Bill announced his family was moving to Montana. We kept in touch but missed them so much. What I remember the most about Bill was his energy, compassion for others, his personality and his faith. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Marvin Beachy says
What an honor it was to know this great man of God
Bill was a great chaplain ,his humor always brought you back to the point he was making that Jesus loves you where you are. Our special thanks to the family for sharing Bill with our Prison Ministry, Gospel Echoes of Indiana
He was a great blessing and encouragement to us!
Dennis Dickson says
I met Bill and Marilyn in Deer Lodge shortly after Bill became Chaplain of Montana State Prison. Along with several other families we assisted Shell and Anne Helsley in planting a church. Although I considered myself too young to serve with Bill on the church board, he encouraged me to step into that role as he and Shell mentored me. He also encouraged me to go to seminary (or “semetery” as Bill joked) to pastor teens. That was 43 years ago. About 25 yrs ago I was on a flight to Atlanta for a pastor’s conference. Our plane stopped in Salt Lake for passengers. While people were boarding I heard a familiar voice. It was Bill and his seat assignment was next to me. We had the best flight ever talking old times, old friends and all the inmates who had decided to follow Jesus. Such a serendipitous blessing. Love and prayers to Marilyn and children.
Dennis & Judi Dickson
Boise, ID