William “Bill” Paul Emge, passed away at the age of 81, just before midnight on December 11th, surrounded by family in the comfort of his home.
Bill was physically and mentally strong, a very determined man. That determination helped him overcome two earlier bouts of cancer. In his final years he became spiritually strong.
Born October 14, 1934, in Denison, Iowa, he was the only son of three children born to Paul and Ruth Emge.
Dropping out of high school in the 10th grade, he lied about his age to join the army. Dad successfully completed the Ranger Course Training and was part of the first Screaming Eagles Unit in the 11th Airborne Aerial Supply.
While employed at Braniff Airlines, he met and married Teresa K. Fickbohm in March, 1957.
In 1958 they moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where they lived until moving to Helena in November 1969 with their five children.
Dad was a true entrepreneur who was involved in many businesses over his lifetime. In St. Cloud, it was Ideal Radiator & MG’s Exhaust. In Helena, he owned and operated Helena Cab Company & Western Union. He helped establish the Helena Bus System in the 70’s, later known as HATS (Helena Area Transit System). He owned a couple of gas stations, several rental properties, and founded Tri-County Development that provided housing for the developmentally disabled. He retired in 2010 after spending 20 years working with his son, Scott, as co-owner of Rocky Mountain Spas and Spa Service Plus, Inc.
He was a silent business partner in the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena and Wild River Adventures in West Glacier, MT.
Dad liked the thrill of racing stock cars and flying his Cessna. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed canoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, rafting and exploring the backcountry. He also took pleasure in collecting guns, coins, gardening and feeding his birds.
He was a naturally gifted musician; self-taught on the banjo, harmonica, guitar, and steel guitar. He enjoyed jamming with neighbors and relatives, and occasionally a bar gig in the early years.
There were many layers to Bill – like peeling an onion. You learned a little at a time, and only what he wanted you to know. He was a private man, not needing validation from others or public approval or praise for his accomplishments.
Dad taught us to enjoy and respect the outdoors through many family camping trips, Sunday excursions in Ole Yeller and family ski trips. There was never a shortage of laughter and fun when we were together. We will be forever thankful for his advice, strength, encouragement, quick wit and love.
Dad was preceded in death by parents, Ruth and Paul Emge, and sister, Darleen “Pidge” Igeo. Survived by his significant other, Sheri Dietrich; sister, Mary Jo Ronshaugen (Jim); sons, Scott (Mary) Emge, Jeff Emge (California); daughters, Robin Emge Milhous (Jacksonville, FL), Krystal Emge Tacub (Howard) (Honolulu, HI) and Julie Emge Phillips (Paul); grandchildren Kyle, Steve and Eric Emge (Montana), Connor, Marisa and Jake Milhous (Florida), Bailey and Kamille Tacub (Hawaii) and former spouse and friend Teresa “Terry” McDonald.
We miss you dad – gone, but not forgotten.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service at the Algeria Shrine Temple, 15 Jackson St., Helena. Memorials in Bill’s name are suggested to NODA c/o St. Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Fortress of Joy Church S.O.B.E.R. Program, 720 Faw Road, Helena, MT 59601, The VA Volunteer Services, Fort Harrison, P.O. Box 1500, Fort Harrison, MT 59636, St. Labre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Road Ashland, MT 59003 or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
MIKE LIGHTBODY says
Scott and Family, I am so sorry to here about your dads passing. my thoughts and prayers to all. So many great memories of him. He was a big part our life growing up during high school. So much fun!! HE will truly be missed. Love and prayers to all. Love you Guys.
Chuck McGurn says
Scott and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask. Love you all.
The McGurns
Doris Romanisko says
Scott…
Losing a parent is never easy…no matter their age…or ours. I just wanted to let you know how much laughter and brightness your dad always brought to my day when I stopped to buy things for the spa. While it was a lot of years ago, I still remember that smile and sense of humor. Find comfort in the good memories. Doris
Phyllis McCullar says
Robin, Scott, Jeff, Chris, and Julie I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I still have very fond memories of our time together. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed. Love to all Phyllis
Bill Moore says
I remember bill & gramp from the bus days the bus barn was just around the corner from the parts store the good ole days . Bill
ZANA SMITH says
Robin, Scott, Krys, Jeff and Julie,
Your Dad was so proud of all of you ! He talked about each of you and his beloved Grandchildren in our meetings at the Cancer Center across the past few years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Zana
Evelyn Knowles says
Emge family, I was so surprised to hear about your Dad’s passing. Your father was the best boss I ever had. I learned alot from him.Enjoyed the laughs.talks we shared weather it was about work or something else on our minds.Very respectful person who I can say you could always learn something from.I know he taught his children to be the same.He will be a friend that I will miss but never forget and enjoyed working for. My prayers go out to all of you. Love A Friend & God Bless
Donna Igou Simon says
God Bless and rest in peace Uncle Bill. Scott ,Robin ,Kris ,Jeff ,Julie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss, he was a wonderful person . Prayers to all of you .
Donna Igou Simon
Doug & Candice Petersen says
Emge Family… Please know that yo your family is in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a parent and Bill was so proud and dedicated to all of you, we know that he will look down upon all of you and help to guide you spiritually throughout your lives. It is a great loss to you and our community and our hearts go out to each and every one of you.
Peace be with you~
Doug, Candice, David and Jordan Petersen
Doug & Candice Petersen says
Emge Family… Please know that your family is in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a parent and Bill was so proud and dedicated to all of you, we know that he will look down upon all of you and help to guide you spiritually throughout your lives. It is a great loss to you and our community and our hearts go out to each and every one of you.
Peace be with you~
Doug, Candice, David and Jordan Petersen
Kristina Blomquist says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of his family! So much I learned from your dad. He is an amazing person and friend. He always talked fondly of all of his children. I can say truly a person with a hear of gold. I will never forget Bill nor all his great Cessna stories. I feel blessed to have the time and friendship I had with him. “Don’t forget pennies are from heaven” I sure will be on the look out. Love to you Bill
Jan Sassano Funston says
Julie, Paul, Krystal and the rest of the Emge family: I am sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a parent. My thought and prayers are with you.
Wayne Stewart says
Emge’s > Thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Bill had a sound way of keeping us all in check throughout our high school years when we thought we were smarter than our parents and piers. That sly little grin or a simple common sense question or comment he would make, just to make us think about our life decisions. Wisdom that can only come from a father or respected friend. I will always remember and cherish those simple things he did for all of us. A job or chores, for when we should not have had idle time on our hands anyway, a work ethic to be proud of and even a home brew when it was earned. Thanks for all the great times and memories. He will be missed.
John and Anita Shontz says
Scott and Family, Our condolences to to all. We will miss your Dad as he was a part of our lives for nearly forty years. Always a ready smile and a helping hand for anyone in need. God Bless. John and Anita Shontz
Kristin Basinger says
Scott and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. Kristin Basinger
Bonnie Hurless says
Julie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mark says
So long Bill.
Jerry Johnson says
I remember Bill from his MG`s Exhaust days. My uncle Duane Johnson worked for him and they were also good buddies. Most Saturday mornings my dad (Duane`s older brother Don) and I stopped by there and I loved hearing their tall tales and adventures (I was just a boy then) and I remember one day when Bill even gave me part of his lunch…my first ever salami sandwich. I missed him when he moved away, but I never forgot his ever present smile or the twinkle in his eye as he spun off another story. Right now, inched from me is a wonderful picture of Bill and Duane proudly standing beside one of Bill`s racing jalopies…The MG II (it has a lightning bolt between the M and the G. Pure speed I guess. I only knew him as a boy, be he seemed like a real hero to me. RIP Bill.