William Willard “Bill” Linkenbach, 82
August 19, 1940 – April 27, 2023
Helena – William W. Linkenbach, 82, beloved husband, father and grandparent died April 27, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Bill was born in Sandusky, Ohio, August 19, 1940, to Willard and Dorothy Linkenbach. He attended Sandusky High School and graduated in 1958. Bill married Joan Graham on January 23, 1960, and together they raised two sons, Randy and Bill Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; sister, Pat Knight; sons, Randy (Debbie) and Bill Jr. (Deanna)
Grandchildren: Chance (Monica) Linkenbach; Krystle (Wade) Giles; Eddie (Tara) Linkenbach, Kaylee (Alex) Velado; Taylor (Faithann) Linkenbach; Angus and Ayden Linkenbach.
Great Grandchildren, Emma Ramasco, Theo Linkenbach; Isla and William Mack Linkenbach; Jackson and Hank Giles; Aliyah, William Sawyer and Lincoln Velado, Jericho, Jonah and Jacob Linkenbach.
Bill moved to Montana with his family in 1978 because of his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoor life. He had a jeep that no matter where he went it carried guns, fishing poles, boxes of tackle and a tent. This became his life. There wasn’t a river that wasn’t going to be floated, a mountain that wasn’t going to be climbed, a lake that wasn’t going to be explored, a game animal that wasn’t going to be harvested and a fish that wasn’t going to be caught. This was his life until illness stopped him. Even though he was in a wheelchair, and we had to roll him into the boat, he still kept on fishing. He was a man who loved life, in all of its seasons. He loved sharing time with those he knew and if he didn’t know who you were, well, he’d find out right quick and you’d become one of “his people”. Visiting time never ended and if it could be combined with shooting or fishing or seeking out elk, it was even better. His door was always open, and his smile was beyond welcoming. He loved his family to distraction and his greatest desire was for all of them to be connected. He loved laughter and adored sharing it with anyone around him. He could be serious and ponder the mysteries of life around him in one moment and turn around with a devilish twinkle in his eyes with a new idea in the next. Parkinson’s put limits on his body, but he found a way to soar with his spirit. He had his gear ready to start again this year, but it was not meant to be. We all know that now he is with our Lord and fishing the big waters in heaven. The day after Bill died his great granddaughter, Isla, said “I thought about great grandpa all day today. I bet anyone who knew him is missing him today”. And yes, I think we all feel that way. He will be greatly missed!
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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Cj, Tim, Doug. and Dusty says
My dearest Joanie and family, I’m so sad for ur loss! Bill was a wonderful person whom you have shared many years of memories! He was never at a loss on ways to be busy, but still enjoy life with his family! My sons and I will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Bill and Tanya Tumas says
Much love and happy memories. You and Bill kindly hosted us and shared the beauty of Montana with us. You are in our thoughts. I know he is busy catching lots and lots of fish
Jonathan and Kyanna Merritt says
Sending our thoughts and prayers all the way from New Jersey.
Mary Lou Garrett says
We have talked today about all the time we were camping an fishing/floating together. Bob especially remembers Bill making the diamond willow cane he gave Bob after they both had knee surgery at the same time. Bob uses that cane every day now and always tells everyone that Bill made the cane for him. Hope the sun keeps shining on you
at this time. God Bless.
Krystle Giles says
I’ll never forget the last time we saw GGpa it was for my mom Debbie’s birthday at the end of January and the second my dog Geo (GG) saw him she ran and jumped up into his lap and hugged him on both shoulders with her paws, her head nuzzled into his neck. He had a special way of giving comfort. Wish we could give you both that big hug right now! What a beautiful obituary, adventure sure was his middle name and we know he’s catching monsters up there
sending all our love from Washington
Angus Linkenbach says
My last prominent memory with Papa Bill was Christmas. Our first real Christmas together as a family, not a regular family, but a family we chose to unite through more than just blood-relations. Something so much more than we could have left it to be. I believe it probably was not what he wanted this last Christmas, but I think it was more than enough to make him happy. I hope, anyways. I’ll always remember the big box of shotgun shells he gave me for “bird season”!
Ken and Sue Vivrette says
I loved playing poker with Bill
And I value the incredible poker table he built for us
Ken and Sue
Jack Schilla says
Joan, My prayer is God gives you strength at this time. Sincerely Yours in Jesus name, Jack Schilla, Valier, Mt.
Bill W Linkenbach says
I miss you dad. See you soon. Until then, hug Jesus for me and catch a big one in the river of life.
Kathleen Brewer says
Joanie and family
, so many memories, the Red Roof, all the hunting we all did then, lots of “socializing”, lots of laughs, and I could go on and on. I imagine if he and Reggie found each other on the other side, they will take up where they left off……… sending my love, condolences, and prayers of comfort
from New Hampshire at this difficult time.
Kathleen Brewer
Joan Carter says
The first time we met Bill & Joan is when Debbie, our daughter married Randy. We had a beautiful wedding and Reception with so many people. The huge Easter egg hunts and cookie decorating gatherings at the house in Thomas Court. The beautiful wood working projects Bill & Joan made for my home here on Helena Lake. Trips to find wood for walking sticks. Our Christmas trip to Las Vegas. The many Sunday dinner gatherings. So many memories. He was a master crafter. He could make exquisite things to market that last forever in our homes. The fun times playing cards and listening to his laugh as he scooped up your quarter’s. Thank you Bill for everything. You will be remembered in our family with stories for future generations.
Anna Salini says
Praying for your family. He was a wonderful person. Always smiling when I saw him.
Dirk Andersen says
Met Bill many, many years ago salmon snaggin. Back then there was a core group of us old boys that would meet up every year just to catch the salmon and enjoy each other’s company. It would about the only time of the we would see one other until the next season would begin. Say hello to Tony, Nick, Jerry, Ed, Gordie, Big Jim and the rest of the guys. The old Cowboy will be thinking of you each time I ago. Good fishing until we all meet again at God’s snaggin hole. I was very fortunate to have known you.
Vince Justice says
Will miss Bill, wonderful man, stole my money off the poker tables many a time, everyone love BIll, he will be sorely missed but was glad to know him, and will see him again some day in heaven.
Bob George says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, he was a great man & person. I got the pleasure of working next to Bill when I first met him back in the early 90’s, he was always smiling & joking on the jobsite. You can’t ever replace men like Bill and I’m glad to consider myself a friend of his. He will be missed but his memory will long live on. My sincere condolences to the Linkenbach Family.