On Saturday, June 8th, 2024, Bill Spurzem took his final ride on the Algeria Shriners WHOOPIE WAGON, his final march with the US Army, and his final loving embrace with his family. Bill was forever the father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all. He now serves a higher calling to be home and at peace with those who went before him.
Bill was born in Helena on July 8, 1939, to Marjorie (Mudge) Spurzem and William P. Spurzem. He was proud of his Helena and Spurzem heritage. The Helena legacy goes back generations with a history of service to the community through the police and fire departments. His grandfather was one of the first police chiefs in Helena. (as the story goes they served justice with “flapjacks”, guns were not allowed). Growing up, leisure time was spent with family building a cabin on Flesher Pass. It was here Dad acquired a pet deer (Bambi) that followed him on his horse everywhere he rode. There was also a pet bear, but it did not come home for sleepovers like Bambi. Bill attended Helena schools Jefferson, Central and graduated proudly with the Helena High School class of 1958.
While attending Central School, Bill met his future wife Sue Morris. They began dating in the eighth grade, thus beginning a life together that lasted until Sue’s passing in 2006.
After graduation, Bill was drafted by the U.S. Army for the “Berlin Crisis”. This began Bill’s long service to his country. His assignment took him to Kitzigen Germany. It was here he welcomed his son Curt into the world. Upon his return to the US, Bill continued serving in the 159th HSG for 28 years retiring, as Command Sergeant Major, after serving a final stint in Iraq for Operation “Desert Storm”. In addition to military service, Bill worked for 35-plus years for the State of Montana. His assignments included time at the Fish and Game and ultimately retired as a Bureau Chief for the Department of Administration. Retirement with fishing and leisure did not work for Dad. His satisfaction came from working and “doing the right thing” for others. Retirement for Bill meant switching jobs. As an active member of Freemasonry and Shrine for many years, Bill took an elected position as the recorder for the Algerian Shrine. He remained in this position for 20-plus years. He had the privilege of representing the Algeria Shrine as they provided financial assistance to the children of Montana when they traveled to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. The recorder had historically been a paid position but Bill declined a paycheck thus allowing the money to go to the service of others. Bill remained in his position as long as physically possible working up to six weeks before his death.
Bill was most rewarded by following the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Their goals and aspirations excited him immensely. He would be caught bragging about their dreams and successes. His love was present as he quietly watched his family’s lives unfold.
Bill is survived by his son Curt and his wife Patty and their children Scott and Gabby. He is also survived by Curt’s surrogate siblings; Kent Coe, Lisa (Coe) Merdoc, Kevin, and Barb Crabtree.
Many will remember Dad in Helena as Father, Grandfather, Reservist, Mason, or Shriner but most of all Friend. If you have a memory or funny story that could be shared at a celebration of life please email to
Bill’s family will bury his cremated remains next to his wife Sue at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, Montana Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.. Public is welcome if they choose. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15th at the Shrine Temple reception hall. 15 North Jackson Street in Helena. All are welcome! In place of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name are suggested to the Algeria Shriners Transportation fund, 15 North Jackson Street, PO Box 1179, Helena MT 59604. (The fund provides transportation for children and families to Shrine Hospitals as needed).
Service Schedule
Burial
1:30 pm
Thursday June 13, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 15, 2024
Algeria Shrine Temple
15 North Jackson Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following service
Monday July 15, 2024
Algeria Shrine Temple Consistory
15 North Jackson Street
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Burial
1:30 pm
Thursday June 13, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 15, 2024
Algeria Shrine Temple
15 North Jackson Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following service
Monday July 15, 2024
Algeria Shrine Temple Consistory
15 North Jackson Street
Helena, Montana
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Ed says
Bill and sue were classmates from Central School onwards; two of the best, and that carried-on into high school and adulthood. Bill, like Sue, may you also rest in peace.
Ed
Jackie Lloyd says
Bill and Sue were classmates at Helena High School.
R.I P. You Two !
Greg Beveridge says
Today we will say goodbye to Bill but the neighborhood memories of Bill & Sue will be with us forever.
Our upbringing on Missoula Ave was the all American setting with kids playing and getting in trouble with water balloons and apple fights. Bill was a quiet, gentle giant with us . It’s obvious in his football coaching and military leadership that he was a people person.
My regards to the Spurzem family and their support and care for Bill in his finale months!!
Larry E Steck says
Curt, Patty and Family, I’m so sorry to hear that Bill has passed, and I offer my deepest sympathy to all of you. What wonderful memories I have of great conversations I had with Bill, and Sue while growing up on Missoula Avenue. Bill was never to busy to stop and have a chat about what ever was on my mind. I especially apprecciated all they both did to look in on my folks as they dealt with cancer that would in time take both their lives.
Rest in peace Bill, and thank you for being such a great neighbor and friend. I wish I could be there to celebrate a life well lived.