William Oliver “Bill” Penn, 66, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 20, 2017.
Bill was born on August 26, 1950 in Thermopolis, Wyoming to Oscar Loyd Penn and Evelyn Dean “Moore” Penn. He grew up in Billings, Montana where he loved to play baseball and attended Senior High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from July 1969 to July 1973. He was a Mason belonging to Hiram Lodge #52 of Forsyth, MT. On May 27, 1983, Bill married Carol Jean Bolte in Missoula, Montana. They resided in Colstrip, Montana where he owned and operated Colstrip Tire Sales until 1988 when the family moved to Missoula, Montana where Bill would continue his education. In 1992, he graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. They then returned to Colstrip where Bill worked for Western Energy as the Hazardous Waste Coordinator. In 1995, he returned to Billings to continue working in the coal industry in sales and marketing. During this time, he also ran for HD 38. In 1996, Bill and his family moved to Butte to work as a real-time energy trader for The Montana Power Company. While in Butte, he also worked for NorthWestern Energy and lobbied for a stretch in Helena. In 2005, he accepted a position as the Economic Development Director for Butte-Silver Bow County. He retired in 2009 and moved to Miles City, Montana. Bill had a lifelong passion for fishing. He also enjoyed spending Saturdays at Washington-Grizzly Stadium attending Griz football games whenever he could. Go Griz!
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Evelyn Penn. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Carol, His children Linsey Penn, Chad Penn and Courtney (Ben) Hoyer, his grandchildren Kade Oliver Hoyer and Shelby Ann Hoyer, his siblings Loretta James, Gary (Edie) Penn, and Betty Jo (Pete) Ellison, 11 sisters-in-law, 9 brothers-in-law, and 36 nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 4-6 p.m., and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. both at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Interment with full military honors at the Forsyth Cemetery will follow the service.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday February 27, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday February 27, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Mark & Deanne Zora says
Very sorry to hear this news. I worked with Bill for many years and enjoyed every moment. He was always honest, ethical, and customer/people oriented. He was truly an good person in every way. He will be missed!! Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Cathy Torgerson-Britton says
Carol, Linsey & Courtney – Betty Jo & Gary .. what a joy the friendship and that laugh of Bills has brought to many lives throughout the years. It’s with deepest sympathy we recall those many memories but at the same time Cherish them.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Carol, Lindsey, Courtney, Betty Jo, and Gary,
We were so saddened to hear that Bill had passed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and may you find joy in your memories. You will be in our thoughts and we pray that God grant you comfort in the coming days.
The Hom's says
Courtney and family,
Kevin, Andrew and I are so very sorry to hear about your dad passing away. Love to you all.
Bill Dygert says
So sorry to hear this news, The Penn family is very much in our thoughts and prayers. Bill was a great friend and a genuine person . His ability to overcome life’s challenges was a great example for all of us. Bill’s memory and the great person that he was will remain
with us forever. Deepest condolences from Bill, Shirley Will and Joe Dygert
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
To Bill’s family and BJ & Pete and Ann Bates and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Elsie Schye says
To Bill’s family,
Bill was such a pleasant man, always friendly. It was an honor to know him and the Penn family. Oscar and Evelyn were such good friends and raised a beautiful family. It was a pleasure to know him. He will be sorely missed.
Mike and Mary Holzwarth says
Sending our Thoughts and prayers, as well as our sincere condolences to the entire Penn family.
Sue Stanton says
So sorry for your loss. I will miss the kind man across the fence. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Leland says
We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s death. Sending lots of prayers for God’s comfort for the entire family.
Susan and John Leland, Butte
Terri Boyle says
Carol and Family, our deepest sympathies on your huge loss! You are in our hearts and on our minds!!!
Bill and Terri Boyle, Butte
James & Rita Alderman says
Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family during this time of great loss. I met Bill back in 1975 as a Pipefitter and remained pretty close until he left Colstrip. He was a good hard working man and a good friend. God bless him on his journey and his family with happy memories, so sorry for your loss.
Katrina McCourt says
I’m s glad I was able to see and spend time with him last year. He reached out to me when I lost mom. Now he is with her. You can never be ready for times like this. Slow down and cherish every moment with friends and family.
Love you all so much. There are no words. Hugs to you.
Kay Dooley says
Carol and family,
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. We were great friends once upon a time and I cherish those memories. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay Crosby Dooley