Bill passed away on the morning of March 18, 2023 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT after a short battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Bill was born October 30, 1943, in Eureka, CA to Ernest and Uarda Fleckenstein, the first son. He was joined 15 months later by brother Larry. Bill graduated from Arcata High School in California in 1961. He attended college in Redding, CA, then joined the Army in 1967 for 3 years, one of which was served in Vietnam.
Bill met Fran Natzel in Billings, MT and they were married March 7, 1970. He started a job with the Milwaukee Railroad in 1970 and then worked for John’s Oilfield Service in Baker, MT until he and Fran bought the Diamond Motel in 1983. Bill also worked for Buffalo Rapids Irrigation for 20 years, retiring in 2011, but then continued on with them for another 12 years working part-time.
Bill is survived by his wife Fran; sons Allon (California), Kevin (California), Kenny (Nicole) Fleckenstein (Billings, MT); brother Larry (Barb) of Iowa City, IA; two granddaughters Terra (Grass Valley, CA) and Kylee (Phoenix, AZ); one grandson Zachery (Carlsbad, CA).
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest & Uarda Fleckenstein.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. A luncheon will follow at The Legion in Terry.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to a charity of one’s choice.
Marcella Gappert says
Dear Fran, Bill (Jack) will be missed by our whole family. It was an honor to have known him. All my love to you and your family. LOVE, Marcella
Melodie Bertsch says
Fran and family, so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy, always enjoyed running in to you guys in Miles City. Hugs and prayers. 🙏🩵🙏
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Sending prayers for comfort and strength during this most difficult time in the passing of Bill.
John and Nikki Brown says
Our sympathies to you all.
Toni says
Fran and Family:
So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He always seemed like such a kind and gentle soul. I’m holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the beautiful memories close to your heart and he will be with you always.
Shereen Dennis says
Fran,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many happy memories with your family and mine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Hugs to all.
Bill & Deb Zupanik says
Dear Fran and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Love to all
Dawn Olson says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to the family.
Vera Kuehn says
Dearest Frannie and family, we are so very sorry for your loss, Bill was truly one of the good guys and always enjoyed having him come to our branding and help out. He will be so missed by family and friends, may he rest in peace and may God bless and comfort you all.
Love and hugs, Don and Vera
Kelly and Dulcy says
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Bill was one of a kind. Always loved visiting with him especially when we had the bar in Fallon and he came in most days for lunch (cheeseburger, half order of fries and a diet Mountain Dew). What a treasure he was. He will be missed. RIP, Bill!
Sydney Aplin Carranco says
I’m sorry for your loss Kevin. PAYERS.
Lola Hess says
Fran and family! So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing!! Bill was a great guy! I know how much Dick enjoyed their chats!!! Sympathy to all of you!
Jean Hickey says
Fran: So sorry to see this. Hugs to you all! Remember the good times.
Ruth Peck says
Fran and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jody Haidle says
Fran, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my love and a big hug. 🙏 Praying for you during this difficult, sad time.
Charlotte Miller says
Dear Fran and Family, I am still in Yuma and was sorry to read about your loss of Bill. I always enjoyed our visits together in Terry. Sending my thoughts of friendship and sympathy to you and the rest of your family.
Tom Howe and Family says
To Fran and the boys. I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Although we did not stay in close contact thru the years, I have not forgotten the times our family’s spent together in Baker. Thanks for being dear friends with Myron and Karen.
Kevin Gower says
Fran we are so sorry .. we love you and your family . Your in our prayers .. Tana and Kevin
Marsha and Dana Cole says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all during this difficult time.
ELAINE Stanhope says
Fran we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please extend our deepest sympathy to the boys, espicially Kevin who we knew the best.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Goodbye Earnest longtime friend. To all the Fleckenstein family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Earnest was a good friend and a friend to everyone. He will be missed in the community. Earnest God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. Its too bad that family won’t have you videod to say goodbye.
Betty and Jim Stoner says
Fran: So sorry for your loss
John Clarenbach says
Fran, Sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. My sister and I (Jan Blanks) attended Patrick Point grade school with Bill and Larry. We also went to Arcata High together. I always looked forward to seeing him at the Arcata High reunions. He was a great friend. I know that the road of Life has an end to it but it doesn’t made it easier. He had a good life and will be missed by all who knew him. John Clarenbach Eugene, Oregon.