William “Bill” Gregg passed away in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 08, 2015 at the age of 73 years young.
Bill was born in Sidney, MT on June 25, 1942. He graduated from Savage High School in 1960 and went on to continue his higher education attending Bismarck Junior College, enlisted into the United States Army in 1965, stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Walters Texas, Turkey and Germany; returning home 1967; earning a degree in secondary education from Eastern Montana College in 1969.
Bill married the love of his life 48 years ago, Linda Beyl, in Glendive, Montana on May 14, 1967. Together with their children they moved around the state of Montana, moving to Colstrip in 1975. Bill started his extensive career working at the steam generation plants in 1974, retiring in 2001. Bill also enjoyed driving all the kids around during his 14 year career as a school bus driver for Colstrip Public Schools, retiring in 2015. Throughout his life he also enjoyed teaching school and coaching in Jordon, MT, Opium, MT and Noxon, MT.
Bill was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer backer; enjoyed all sports, played softball, football, wrestling, basketball, racquetball, golf, track, and an avid bowler; he was also very active in the Rusty Zipper Gang, the Moose Lodge where he earned the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the ABATE Club, AAU wresting, swimming and volleyball programs, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and the Colstrip Booster Club.
Bill is predeceased in death by his father Robert Gregg, mother Maxine Gregg, and brother in-law Henry Johnson.
Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife Linda Gregg; his children Loni & Buggs Hartman, Dicki & Mike Peterson, and Bobby & Stephanie Gregg; his grandchildren Brett Hartman, Charli & Jeff Provenza, Christina Peterson, Shauna & Rick Zaranka, Trey & Beth Gregg, and Dakota Gregg; great grandchildren Makenzie Hamilton, Keea Zaranka and Giavona Provenza; sisters Leota Johnson, Jolene & Cody Taylor; and many adored nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at the Colstrip Cemetery on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Sias officiating. A celebration will take place at the Colstrip Moose Lodge following the service, approximately 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bill Gregg Memorial, First Interstate Bank, PO Box 39, Colstrip, MT 59323. Condolences for the family may be offered online at stevensonfuneralhomes.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 pm
Monday September 14, 2015
Colstrip Cemetery
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 pm
Monday September 14, 2015
Colstrip Cemetery
Colstrip, MT 59323
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
Linda and family,
Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.
pat & george riedel says
Linda and family — so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a good man and he will be missed. Let us know if we can do anything
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Linda, Bobby, Dicki and Loni,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. Bill will always be remembered as a kind man, always had a smile . He drove bus for Colstrip Schools for years and all the kids knew and loved their bus driver. He was so proud of his family. Bill will be missed in this community.
Kim Murphy Auch says
Linda Loni Dickie and Bobby, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I know it’s been a long time since we were in Colstrip but you all were such a big part of our lives. He is remembered by me with love!. I will keep you all in my prayers!
Love Kim
Vivian Waples says
We are sending prayers.
Jim and Ann Wells says
So sorry for your loss. Bill will be greatly missed by this community. Our kids always enjoyed having Bill drive bus for activities. He touched many lives and will always be remembered. Hugs and love to your family.
Doran and Sandy Hewitt says
Linda and family we are so sorry for the loss of Bill. You will be in my prayers. Deepest sympathies to you.
cathi sopher says
Mama Linda and family;
this breaks my heart to hear this dear loving sweet man is gone, I will always treasurer memories of hugs, smile, and times spent with Bill aka Candy man to my kids.thanks for sharing this wonderful man with me and others…love, thoughts and prayers with all of you,,,cathi and mitch….
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Linda, Dicki, Loni and Bobby, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. What a great man. Our community will miss him. I will miss talking to him and seeing him with the Rusty Zippers. Our hearts go out to you and all of your family. Thinking of you and you are in our prayers. HUGS!
Patty and Russ Dunn says
We are so very sorry for your loss! Bill was a meaningful part of our Community. His involvement & presence will be greatly missed. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
cheryl jeff spieler says
Rip bill. You will be missed . I enjoyed working with bill. Driving bus in colstrip. Prays for the gregg family
Magdalena Johnson says
To Linda and the Gregg family, I am so sorry for your loss . Bill was a good man . He had a smile that made others smile. He was a serving man, willing to help others. Your family are in my prayers . I have many good memories going on right now my Love And Hugs to you all. ?????????? Maggie Johnson
Ben and Thelma Lewis says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss… Bill was a wonderful person, heaven needed another angel. God be with you all at this difficult time,
GARY AND PAT HELM says
SO SORRY TO HEAR AB OUT BILL, WE GOT TO KNOW HIM IN JORDAN AS A TEACHER AND C OUCH. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND HIS SISTERS. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
Jeremiah & Sam Sopher says
I’m sorry for your loss. He was a very great man. I enjoyed having him as my bus driver when I was a child. He always gave me a Werther’s candy. He had a big heart and a smile for everybody. He will be deeply missed.
TJ Cape says
Dear Gregg Family, We were shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all. I have fond memories of seeing him around the plant when I was still working there. Also enjoyed seeing him at various sporting events when he was driving bus. Our hearts go out to you. Dennis & TJ
Bo & Gary Lyon says
Thoughts and prayers to the whole Gregg family. I just heard about this and I am at a loss for words. My heart aches for all of you! I am so sorry for your loss and know Bill was loved by many and his passing is a huge loss to Colstrip. Hugs and love sent your way…RIP for this dear man..Bill you will be missed.
Donna Smith says
Loni and family:
My heart goes out to you all. Your Dad was a kind and funny man. Very sorry to hear he passed away. Praying for you all.
Love, Donna and family
Lisa Eastin Miller says
Loni, Dicki, and Bobby, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He was a very kinda hearted and giving man with a beautiful soul. Linda, I wish you strength and some sort of peace during this time of sorrow. May the Lord wrap his arms around your family and keep you close. Hugs and prayers.
Bob & Mary Ann Whitehead says
Gregg family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending loads of love and hugs to you all.
Kent and Laura Stroh says
Gregg Family, So sorry for your loss of an awesome man. Kent really liked working with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kent and Laura
Shelly Holum says
To All of Bill’s Family… I am in shock.. May God comfort you as you work through this rough time… I have several fond memories of Bill, Baseball, work, bike rides, and lots of other events… He was a great man.. and always had a smile.
Steve & Sandy Perusich says
Bill was such wonderful guy with a great sense of humor, he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and the family.
Lu Shomate & Dave Hensel says
What a fun loving, and great man was Bill .
To all of the Gregg family we lift you up in prayer. Bill entered those beautiful gates and is having a blast with some old friends while he waits for all of you to join him. Bill will be missed by many, God Bless.
Ron & Linda Grimsrud says
Bill Gregg family we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Tasha Anderson says
Gregg family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. He was a wonderful man that loved his family very much. Find comfort in your memories of him.
Ivan and Janet Whiteaker says
The Gregg Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry that you have lost Bill. Our hearts are heavy this morning as we just learned about his accident.
cheryl and randy smith says
Dear linda and family, we are so sorry to hear about bill passing. Bubba was a wonderful person to work with and he was so very proud of his family. With deepest sympathy, cheryl
Carol Fleming-Stops says
I was so sad to hear about Bill. He was my first shift supervisor when I first started working and I had the utmost respect for him. He never hesitated to help if I needed and always checked on us during those long night shifts. His family meant the world to him and I hope your memories of those wonderful times bring you comfort. I hope you find the strength from your family and friends help ease your pain and know that he will be missed by so many people especially me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ride on my friend, with the sun on your back and the wind in your face.
Cathy Britton says
I’m so sorry to hear of Bills passing and know he will be missed by many, as he was certainly loved by many. May the many years of wonderful memories help comfort you.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Dear Linda & family,
We are so sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers. Bill was a wonderful man. He never failed to wave, smile or say “hi”. Even when things were difficult, he’d be upbeat. He will be sorely missed by this community. I think just about everyone in town has a good memory of Bill Gregg.
Joan and Scott Hantz says
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great guy and all of the community will miss him. Please know all of you are in ours thoughts and prayers.
Terry and Debbie Olson says
Bill was the only person who could pull up to my coffee shop window with no problem and he did it in a big yellow school bus, whether in his bus for coffee or on his 4 wheeler with his little dog getting ice cream he always made me smile.
He will be missed.
God Bless
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Bill was my coach and teacher in the 70’s in Jordan. He was always so much fun. I have thought about him a lot of times over the past several years. Hugs to his family.
Donovan Currey says
Linda, I have thought of Bill many times over the years as he was one of my favorite teachers/coaches/mentors when I was attending Garfield County High. Bill was a great person and my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of loss. God Bless you all.
Jolene & Kurt Verlanic says
Bill was an amazing blessing to all who knew him. He has left behind some big shoes to fill in not only the things he did for our community, but also the way he cared for his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Hull Family says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. This is a truly hard time. May you find comfort in all your memories of him. He was a giant part of many lives in our small community.
Ken and Irene Nelson says
We are sorry sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He loved to talk, cared about his bus kids and his family was so important to him. Hard to believe he won’t be around town to chat with. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Donna and Keith Nelson says
Linda and family, we are so sorry to hear about Bill. You are in our prayers.
Jo Ryan says
Gregg Family, I had Bill as a teacher in high school. We didn’t get off on a good start. I signed in as Shirley Ryan (real name) and Jo Ryan the next day. I had his grade book all messed up. I finally told him Jo and Shirley was the same person. Needless to say Jo and Shirley were flunking, as they only went to school every other day. We finally had a good laugh over it. I never tried that again either. Bless you and treasure the memories.
Jeannette Barreto says
Dear Gregg family,
I am so sorry about Bill’s passing. He was one of the kindest people I’ve worked with. Bill always had a smile on his face when he would pick the Speech and Drama kids at 4:00am even when we were late or forgot something. He always asked my kids how they did after each meet and made a point to see some of them in finals. He was kind to my students and patient with a stressed out teacher. I will miss Bill dearly and my long trips won’t be the same. RIP my dear Bill
Bob & Linda Miars says
Gregg family
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. May your memories of Bill get you through this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bill always had a story to tell. He will be missed by many.
Walter & Carla Prevost says
Linda and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. Words convey so little when your hearts hurt so bad. We wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennie and Randy Allies says
When a family loses their loved one, their pillar, there never seems to be the right words to express to them your prayers and condolences. Hold tight to the love and lessons he taught you. For those who know loss, hold this family tightly in your hearts to help them through this difficult time. With thoughtfulness and support… Jennie and Randy Allies
Mark and Vicki Stevens says
Linda and family, so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Bubba will be missed. Always up beat, always willing to help, he knew how to enjoy the day. Remember the good times. We will be praying for you as you grieve. Blessings to the entire family,
Mark and Vicki Stevens
Susan Acton says
So sorry to hear about Bill. I enjoyed working with him when he drove bus for the school. He was a great guy and always friendly. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Sympathy and prayers to his family.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Linda, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending a big hug your way.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Linda and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss of Bill. A super guy who will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Diane and Doug Ellingson
Pete and diane Nagel says
Linda, Loni, Dicki, and Bobby, so sorry to hear about Bill we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers
Jackie & Jerry McPherson says
Gregg Family,
It says a lot when you see the wonderful things “Bubba” contributed to this community. Our hearts go out to the family, Bill will be sorely missed by everyone.
Dave and Mary Jensen says
Gregg Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you grieve the loss of Bill. He will be missed by our community. Remember the wonderful memories you all have.
Marion and Georgia Moore says
Gregg Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. One of the “Old Guard”, he was, and we have many fond memories of him over the many years we spent
in Colstrip. May our Lord give you the comfort and strength to carry on, and keep your memories always.
Dave and Vickie Gunderson says
Dear Linda, Lonnie, Dicki, Bobby and families,
Our sincerest sympathies to all of you on the loss of your beloved Bill..what a special guy he was..always a smile on his face and a “hi there kids!” greeting when we hadn’t seen him for awhile. He will be terribly missed by this whole community. Take comfort in knowing how much he adored his family, and that he departed this life while doing something that he loved..riding his bike. Our hugs and prayers go out to all of you.
pat boyer sather says
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Bill was a classmate of mine from Savage. He shall be missed by many
Becky and Larry Miller says
Thinking of you all during this sad time. Bill was always so fun to visit with when he was driving bus or when we’d see him around town. His smile would light up a room. Prayers to you all.
Sandi & Jack Van Pelt says
Linda and family we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gordon & Gale Fyant says
Linda an Family, Greg will be missed. He was a great Boss and the best Biken Partner a guy could have. Until we meet again for that last ride. Rest in Peace my Friend. Gordon an Gale.
Chuck and Suzie Micheletto Nissen says
Linda & family, Jolene, Leota and all of Bill’s loved ones – This life we have is a beautiful gift from God; the greatest gift we receive is eternal life with Him. May God’s blessings and grace be with you during this most sorrowful time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenn and Candice Godfrey says
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It’s hard to express the sadness we feel for you right now. Know our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
Darla Hartung says
Must have been Gods will you guys stopped by the other day. He surely will be missed and
I am here for you all in your time of sorrow. So glad I just got to see and hug him.
Love you all
Ron & Darla Hartung
Ken and Gloria Brost says
Linda, Loni, Dicki and Bobby – we are saddened by the death of Bill. I have so many good memories of him. He was such a gentle fun-loving man who was a friend to everyone he met. He had a smile for everyone. Rest in peace Bill. I hope you will cherish your memories of him.
Your cousin – Gloria and Ken Brost
Willowa Heppner and family says
Linda Loni, Dicki and Bobby
Our heartfelt condolences to the whole Gregg family. Bill was a friend and second dad to almost every kid in Colstrip young and old. The community will miss a man with a heart of gold and smile that no one could resist to smile back and who cared so much for the youth and.people. Jiggs will miss his patner also
May you now be a guardian angel and watch over all of us. RIP papa bear and see you on the.otherside.
Sherry Faber says
We got to know Bill through Trey. To know Trey was to also know his Grandpa Bill. Bill lit up every room he entered with his kind and loving ways. He had a laugh and a story for everyone, and it was wonderful to see how he held his family so deeply in his heart. It was always such a pleasure to spend time with Bill at our various family gatherings. You couldn’t help but feel better about everything after listening to a few of his stories. He will be sorely missed. All the Fabers and O’Keefes hold you in our hearts and prayers.
Wendi (Johnson) Hunt says
Linda, Loni, Dicki and Bobby; I am so very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. You already know what a great husband, father, grandfather and friend he was and that he will be missed by many. May the thoughts, prayers and condolences from so many help ease your pain. I will always remember Bill’s smile. He was truly a gentle giant (unless cheering on his children during a variety of sporting events). Gods Peace.
Bruce and Cindy Miller says
So sorry for your loss, may god give you his strength th get through this difficult time. Bill will be missed in the Colstrip community. A kind caring man who always had a smile.
Dale and Kathie Anderson says
Dear Linda and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Bills passing. He was a kind, giving man and will be missed by all who knew him. His laugh was contagious and I’m so glad he gave it to us many times over the years. You’re in my prayers.
Butcher's and Penny Morse says
Linda,Loni, Dicki, Bobby and family,
We both thought it was a privilege to know Bill. RIP, Bill. You will be missed.
David an vicky saulsbury says
To the Gregg family. Bill will be missed he was a good guy to work with. We enjoyed having a meal with him at the CEI party couple weeks ago.. may God comfort you in this time of sorrow bless you all
V Olive says
I’ve only been here two years but in that time I got to know you both very well. I am so very sorry for your loss Linda. I couldn’t have met a better group of great people. Sending my love and praying for you to have strength during this time of hardship. God bless.
Bob and Nancy Reid says
Dear Gregg family please know that you are not alone in your mourning, nor alone in your grief. Bill was so well respected, so we’ll liked, he will be missed by the the entire community.
Bill was truly one of the last ‘good old boys’. A good supervisor, a good co-worker, a great family man, a good friend and a great man. Keep him alive in your hearts and he will stay alive forever.
Lynnette Schye Brownell says
Gregg family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori (Kicker) Badgley says
Thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Linda L. Gibson-Hiebert says
I am so sorry, LInda, Loni, Dickie, Bobby, and all family members. Colstrip has lost an awesome man. RIP Bill.
David Grauman says
Gregg Family,
So sorry to learn of your loss. Bill was truly one of the good guys and will be missed.
Dave Grauman
Don and Leigh Karpack says
To the Gregg family; It is with great sadness to learn of Bill has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed the time Bill and worked together. I am sorry for your loss.
Don and Leigh Karpack
Charlotte (Simonsen) Guptill says
Leota, so sorry to hear that your brother has passed away. May your good memories bring you peace and comfort.
Larry & Juanita Hill says
We remember only good times and good things about Bill. We are so glad that Bobby got to spend some time with his dad. We know you wanted more, but hopefully what you had was quality time. Larry
Dave and Janne Johnson says
Linda and family, may God bless you and keep you at this time of loss. I will always remember Bills big smile, he will be missed.
Dave and Janne
Toni Pease Enemy Hunter says
I have always had good thoughts and memories when I think of your family. God Bless you all during this time. He will be missed until we meet again. Toni Pease
Jim and Sandi Adams says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Of the many memories I have of Bill, the one I remember best is how proud he was of his family. He will be missed by many. RIP.
Jim
Delton Christman says
Being a friend and classmate of Leota it seems Bill was quite often in the background. He asked me to give him a lesson driving a tractor so we put a few hours on the “M” On GBs farm. Bill and his family were good to know and grow up with.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Dear Linda and Family,
We are thinking of you during this terrible sad time. May your faith in God and the love and support of your family and friends help ease the burden. We know that we will see our loved ones again. God bless you
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Darrell and Shirl Morris says
This has been so hard for us to believe. Bill was one of the best persons we have known, a person who would do just about anything for anybody. We used to have such a good time when we would go to the state bowling tournaments together. He was also a great person to work for as well. Linda and family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. Bill will truly be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Darrell and Shirl Morris
Ron & Barbara Hunziker says
Our thoughts are with your entire family.Willie’s bright smile and quick-witted humor will be missed by all.It was a lot of fun playing softball with him on the team.
Bob and Jan Morgan says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bob an Diane Henriksen says
Linda and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Andrita Harris says
Linda, Dicki, Bobby and Loni
Sorry for your loss. My deepest Sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karson and Marie Kluver and Family says
Gregg Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill always took time to greet you and make you feel welcome whether it was on the bus or elsewhere.
Zane & Angela Lingacre says
It was a privilege to know Bill, he was quite a guy! I always liked how he supported the kids activities and looked out for others. We will be praying for your family.
Jerry and Donna Buxbaum says
Gregg family ,
Sending our love to all of you.
May God give you peace and strength in this time of your deep loss and heavy hearts.
Love in Christ
Jerry & Donna Buxbaum
Jerry and Donna Buxbaum says
Love and prayers to all of Bills precious loving family.
May God hold you tight and in your time of deep loss and sorrow
Love in Christ
Jerry and Donna Buxbaum
Greg Reid says
Linda,Loni,Dicki and Bobby
I think often of the times when were hanging out with the Gregg family at AAU wrestling tourneys , so even though it has been a number of years I still have fond memories. You guys are in my prayers
Alice Kay Seeve Schweigert says
Linda, Leota, Jolene and Families, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bill passing away. Our parents were good friends and we grew up attending church and school together. It was fun seeing him at class B tournaments in Colstrip and catching up on each others’ families and though I didn’t know his kids it was plain that he was very proud of them. I will mlss seeing him at tourneys. My sympathy to all of you. May the good memories help sustain you and I will keep you in my prayers.