William “Bill” Avery Lamach was suddenly called home to heaven October 8, 2021 after a long battle with his health. He faced this battle without complaint and always a positive attitude.
Bill was born November 10, 1957, to Mike and Betty Lamach in Billings, MT. The majority of his life was spent in Miles City, MT. Bill was a gifted athlete in wrestling, football and track. He was honored with the Jerry Ashely Memorial before graduating from Custer County High School in 1977. He later attended college on an athletic scholarship to Dickinson State University, but came home to care for his mother and work for the Milwaukee Railroad.
Bill met Jackie Stroh and shared a 39-year journey together on March 25, 1979. Along the way they welcomed their two children Garrett Avery and Krystle Dawn. Bill supported his family with his Brokers License and 28 years at Pine Hills Youth Corrections. Solidifying his legacy of making a positive impact in many youths’ lives either at work or as a volunteer wrestling coach. Bill was an avid sportsman and took joy in teaching his children and others how to hunt and fish.
A whimsical tender heart who spent his days singing, joking and day dreaming. In his free time, you could often find Bill sharing a long moment with friends and loved ones, tinkering on a project, or spoiling kids and animals.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parents; Michael Lamach and Elinore “Betty” Niles. A daughter Michelle Lamach and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Survived by ex-wife Jackie Stroh, children Garrett (Olivia) Lamach and Krystle (Corbin) Twiss, brother Leroy (Pam) Lamach, sister Mary Esther (Ruben) Sanchez, along with beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Along with an especially cherished friend Kathy Sandefer Walker.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00 am at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
In Memory Of
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Carol Nelson says
Sending heartfelt sympathy to all of Bill’s family. I had the honor of working with Bill’s mom in the public school and Bill at PHYCF. May memories carry you through the difficult days.
Carol Nelson
Scott Jens & Sue Jens says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, he was one of my high school students, always a smile on his face, and always a smile on his face, when we met. Also a great athlete, really enjoy watching him wrestle. Sending prayers out to the family, he is in God’s loving hands now, with no pain.
Donnie Rooney says
Bill was a good man and esy to get along with.Sending my heartfelt condolences to all that are related. R.I.P. my good friend.Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Author Unknown.
Kevin Donnelly says
Lots of memories. Bill was a fighter had to be to go through the last years of his life. Every time I talked to Bill he would tell me that he was going to beat it and live on his own again. There were times that he would not answer his phone. I always wondered if it had anything to do with being depressed. When I did get through he would be happy and talk about when he would beat it. This would give me hope. I have seen this before in others and always wonder why they would not welcome death. I don’t know why yet but I do know that he will forever be happy in Heaven. Say hi to everyone for me Bill.
May God be with everyone who Bill’s life has touched
Dave Johnson says
I went to high school with Bill, and also wrestled with him in High school. I then later worked with him at Pine Hills. Bill was such an easy going guy. He is now pain free and his body is healed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Bill’s family.
Ken and Lisa Ridenour says
To all of Bill’s family. Bill had a heart of gold. Alway willing to help any way he could. He loved his family. He will be missed dearly. Lisa and I enjoyed the game nights. And the occasional BBQ. Rest in piece my friend.
Jessie Leidholt says
Very fond memories of the time I worked with Bill at Berg Realty. He was lots of fun. Hugs to his family.
Lorna Niles says
I’m so sorry for you all’s loss….
Cuz, I hope u knew how much I enjoyed our visits n how u kept Dad alive in our memories, for me. I will miss your laugh, the twinkle in your eye n your words of wisdom when I needed em. Thank you for being the BEST cousin!! Love you
Prayers for the family for strength n healing…
Missie Niles says
My deepest condolences ,
Some of my happiest childhood memories were the times spent at Aunt Betty’s. Bill always made me laugh, and , of course Aunt Betty gave me so much of her time and love. Such a feeling of “coming home” whenever I walked in the door. I will cherish those memories always and think of Bill, smiling and laughing .
Vaughn Kempf says
My thoughts and prayers have been turned toward Bill’s family and loved ones since I read of his “promotion” a few days ago. If I had any special words of comfort I would certainly offer them now. Having lost my own brother near the end of last year, I can imagine to a small extent what you may be feeling in this great loss. The three cousins (Kevin, Bill, and myself) are now two, but only momentarily, as we will be three again one day in our future. Thank you Bill for the good memories!
Ellen Hart says
So very sorry for your loss.
Danna Jablinske says
My family’s deepest condolences to Bill’s family. He was one of the neighbor kids growing up near Washington school. In the past several years we became Facebook friends. We both shared stories about our beloved Corgis. May the memories help you all through this tough time. Peace be with you all.
The Jablinske kids.
Cherrie Beyer says
So sorry for your loss, prayers and thoughts to Bill’s family.
Mary Esther says
Will mlss you always little brother Remember how you use to love entertaining Mom Leroy and I in the evenings when you were little on your tricycle bouncing horse or whatever you had when we lived in the vets housing. During your grade school and high school years I didn’t see a lot of you because I had already left home. But Quincy (you’re little chick magnet) and I enjoyed watching you play football and wrestle whenever we could. As you grow older and your family also grew I have great fond memories of those years. You fought so hard these last few years to be with all of us as long as you could God bless you. Love you Sis. Say hi to Mom for me.
Cynthia Kunz says
Garrett, Krystle, and to my sister Olivia,
I’m deeply & truly sorry for the loss of your Dad William. He had a really big heart and I remember the first time I met him. This memory may seem silly to some but to me it still sticks in my mind. It was the day before your wedding when we all were getting things set up. I remember William being surrounded by his two cute corgis it’s quite the personalities. Even though he really loved and enjoyed his corgis I know the corgis were really just as happy if not more to be in his company. I got a kick out of that time and learned that day that corgis might just be my favorite dogs. I just want you to know how my heart goes out to you all and even though I am miles away I am here for you and will be sending my thoughts, love, and prayers your way for all the Lamach family 😢🤗♥️♥️🙏🙏
Love,
Cynthia Kunz & family
Jackie Stroh says
To Garrett , Krystle my dear children and Mary and Leroy my deepest sympathies in the passing of Bill I have fond memories of spending time with you as a family member and I cherish those times I wish I could do more to take away your sorrow and pain better days ahead for all of you best wishes and you’re in my thoughts! You’re at peace Dear Bill!
Melinda & Brian Lynnes says
Garrett & Krystle,
We are so sorry to hear that you lost your father. We enjoyed him as a neighbor and friend! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Melinda & Brian
Michael Johnson says
Love garret and crystle sorry bout your dad I know the hurt it puts on our hearts I learned a lot from your dad. Garrett you were my best friend when we were kids. God bless you too Jackie. Amen.
Pamela Lamach Olson says
I’m so sad to learn of your passing Uncle Bill. Rest easy and enjoy your freedom from your Earthly body. Please say hello to my mom and grandparents. Love, Pammy.
Larry Bjorndal says
During the years I taught at Pine Hills, I enjoyed visiting with Bill. He was an excellent role model for the boys and they looked up to him.
Larry Bjorndal
Dave & Debb Stroh says
Extending sincere sympathy to the family of Bill.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Garrett and Family,
Hugs and sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. Cherish your fond memories during this sad time and in the days to come, and may God Bless you.
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Garrett, Krystle, and Jackie, I am so sorry! Bill was a great guy, and a good man. My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Louise de Montigny says
With kind regards to Jackie, Garrett and Krystle in this loss of Bill.
David Breisch says
Bill and his family were good friends. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you through the grieving process. May your memories of Bill be blessings to each of you.
James Arneson says
It has been a long time since I seen Bill, he was always smiling and positive. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and everyone who knows him. R. I. P. Bill.
Alicia Esteves says
Krystal and family so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Damm Culy says
My deepest sympathies to Bills family.
It has been years since I last saw Bill, always so happy is my memory….Always hard to see a classmate’s passing . May he rest in peace
Liz Hansen says
Sending much love to the Lamach family. I have many wonderful memories of playing with Bill at Grandpa’s ranch. Happy trails Bill.
Mary Ann Stoltz says
Maryann Stoltz prayers for family and will allways remember your kindness you show me, in high school! Rest in the hands of the Lord Bill!
Amanda Lamb says
Many fond conversations with you my friend. You were always supportive and in good spirits even on the days most people would have not been. You taught me a lot. You will always be one of my fondest patients and forever my friend. Rest easy Bill.
Cindy Stanton says
My condolences to all Bill’s family & friends. He was a pleasure to work with when I was the school secretary at Pine Hills. The boys always seemed to respect him as he treated them well.
Olivia Lamach says
I loved my father-in-law. He welcomed me with open arms and had such a big heart. There is not anything that he wouldn’t do for someone. I learned a lot from him. He was a teacher, mentor, craftsmen and dreamer.
I love you Bill until I see you again in Heaven!
😇❤️
Lillian Ostendorf says
Garrett, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your dad was a wonderful man. Prayers and hugs for you all.
Starla schneider williams says
Rest in bill your gonna be missed
Starla schneider williams says
Rest in peace bill your gonna be missed
Sean Donnelly says
I miss Bill very, very much – he was so kind and enjoyed visiting about sports and life in general. I’ll always remember riding up to Billings with him and his family in the summer of 1988 to go watch WWF wrestling with Bill, Garrett, and Kerry Sanchez – it was such a fun time for us and Bill was able to tell us which professional wrestlers really knew how to wrestle, which was a credit to his own knowledge and experience.
When Bill’s mom, my Aunt Betty, passed in 1992, Bill gave the most beautiful eulogy at her memorial service. I still remember him sharing her words of wisdom, learned in her childhood out at the ranch, about appreciating what we have in this life: “There was sand in the biscuits, and that’s the way we liked it, because no one else was going to do it for us”. God bless Bill, Aunt Betty, and all of our family who have gone on to the great reward. I will always be praying for you and your family who are still with us in this life as we look forward to that day when we are all together once more.