William (Bill) Neil Whitmarsh went home to be with his Lord, Creator, and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 17, 2025. Born in Lakeview, Oregon, on September 1, 1965, to Bruce and Ruth (Ylitalo) Whitmarsh, Bill lived a life marked by kindness, quiet faith, and a heart for others. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and is now reunited with them in glory.
Bill is survived by his sister, Liisa (John) Eyerly of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, and his brother Gerry (Patti) Whitmarsh of Edmonds, Washington. He also leaves behind a cherished nephew, Matthew Eyerly (Sharon), and two nieces, Kate Hoffman and Kristyn Eyerly-Een (Joshua). Great nephew August and great niece, Elle, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him.
A proud graduate of Custer County High School, Bill was a member of the school’s state runner-up championship football team, played varsity tennis and carried that Cowboy pride with him throughout his life. He attended Montana State University-Bozeman. As an avid sports fan, Bill would happily engage in any conversation about football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and especially about his beloved Denver Broncos and MSU Bobcats. He loved swimming and spending time at Spotted Eagle. He picked up gardening later in life and was known for his flaming hot peppers. He held a variety of jobs across the country. Whether selling snow cones at local events or helping customers at Walmart, Bill left a smile with everyone he met.
Bill was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City, where his faith was lived out in quiet devotion and service. He took pride in his Finnish heritage, occasionally, displaying the legendary Sisu—that mix of grit, determination, and yes, a bit of stubbornness—that made him uniquely Bill.
Bill was truly grateful for the healthcare professionals at DCI and his caring hospice team. His body will be laid to rest in the family cemetery plot in Chatham, Michigan. A memorial service celebrating Bill meeting Jesus face to face, will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City, on Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Classical School. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” —Matthew 25:23
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 10, 2025
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 10, 2025
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Ross says
R I P Bill
Michael Carr says
Bill we go back a long ways. You’re a nice man who always had something nice to say about everybody. I really enjoyed my time with you . We sure had fun back in the good old days and kept it going all the way to the present. It was definitely my honor to call you my friend. My heart is so sad because it’s time to say goodbye. Even though I’m sad I’m smiling because I know you’re not suffering anymore . Enjoy heaven and rest in peace my friend.
Vikki Bradley says
Prayers to the family. RIP Bill
Vanessa Raschkow says
You were truly one of the most wonderful men I knew wasn’t anything you wouldn’t have done for me and my son.Im sorry we drifted apart and never got to make amends. I’m glad your at peace now , reunited with mom and dad …My prayers for your brother, sister and her children …You will be missed by all whos life’s you touched.
Xina says
I am sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed Bill.
He has been sick for a very long time. May he now have peace.
Justin Clearwater says
I liked Bill he was my friend.
Rebecca Lynam says
Oh Billy Boy. This is sad news to hear. You will be missed but you loved Jesus so, see you again some day.
Joe Fredrickson says
Rest easy my friend!!
Barb and Jim Nelstead says
Thoughts and prayers out to Bill, Gerry, Lisa and the rest of the Whitmarsh family.
Robert L Flotkoetter says
Our thoughts To Bills Family
Kelli says
My condolences to Bill’s family. I enjoyed visiting him when we both worked at Walmart. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Kimberly Meidinger Wilson says
So sorry to hear this. Always nice to see & visit with him at the class reunions. Always a nice guy. Rest in peace Bill.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
I enjoyed visiting with Bill when I would run into him. Great conversationalist. Prayers to his family.
medora Burgess says
Thanks for the inspiration you gave to the class of 84, and the reunions, may you rest in peace, your inspiration will live on , thanks for being the great person you were.
Marykathleen Bulman says
This isn’t the end for Bill…because he made the choice by faith to acknowledge Jesus as his Savior, he lives forevermore in heaven. His earthy body may have grown tired of his failing health, but now Bill lives in the glory of heaven with no more pain, no more needles, surgery, tubes or tears. Bill has a new body now. God is so good! And Bill knew that! Praying for the family and friends left behind. God is with you all, may you receive and know His beautiful comfort and peace, especially on those hard days💛
Kara Lambert says
To Bill’s family. I am a patient at DCI and visited with Bill alot while waiting for treatment. He was quiet and gentle and was always excited about what he was doing. He was planning his snow cone days and was looking forward to his trip to Vegas. I am so sorry he passed.
I pray for God’s comfort for all of you. He is at peace and free from pain. We will miss him.
Brock says
Bill was a good man and a good Christian! It was my pleasure to be his friend and he will be missed. Rest in peace my friend and be good with Jesus.
Mike Carter says
RIP Bill you are remembered for your generosity to your class mates. Always willing to help anyone. God is with you now for all your good deeds.
Troy Ferris says
Rest easy Bill. Always enjoyed our visits.
Rand Richards says
Bill, sorry to see you go. You were always a source of excitement and a reason for all of us to stay young and enjoy life. I plan on continuing to do that, but knowing you are no longer with us and playing our game of life is saddening.
To Gerry and family, I have loved you all forever and know losing a loved one if tough. Bill was an amazing guy, and his his light will be missed
Rand
Starla says
I’ve chatted with bill a few times very kind and gentle man and very helpful he’s at peace now with our lord no more pain god bless him and his family hear on earth find comfort in the fact he doesn’t hurt no more fly high with the Angels bill
Michelle Simpson says
Bill was always so very pleasant to visit with when he worked at Walmart. I knew that he was ill but he did not dwell on his problems. Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the gift of your friendship.
Mike Benson says
Bill and I were fraternity brothers in Delta Sigma Phi (ΔΣΦ) at MSU, along with his brother Gerry. I reconnected with him years later when I would make trips to Walmart in Miles City. I always enjoyed visiting with him and reminiscing about our days at Delta Sig. I will miss our visits. Rest in peace Brother Bill.
My thoughts are with Gerry and his family.
Leslie E Lucas says
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing…we had many good times at CCDHS. Praying for your family at this sad time.
Scott Jens says
So very to hear of Bill’s passing, he was a student of mine at CCDHS. I remember him as being a very nice young man, always Ready to contribute in discussions in class. Sue and I are sending our deepest condolences to the family.
Donna orthman says
My condolences to all Bill’s.family
Heidi Armstrong says
Gerry and Liisa:
I was very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I was a year behind him in school, so did not know him well, but grew up across the street from your family on North Earling. My parents always thought highly of your family and often complimented the “Whitmarsh kids”. I remember that your Mom was always very kind to me when I knocked on her door for girl scout and 4-H fundraisers. While, I did not end up living in Miles City, I am truly grateful for my childhood and roots there and my memories of growing up on our street. My mom made Miles City her home for over 50 years and I know that she always enjoyed seeing and interacting with Bill. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Pattie Mattson says
Dear Gerry, Patti, Lissa, John,
I was sorry to hear about Bill passing so soon after I had talked with him on the phone. However, it was a blessing that he didn’t have to suffer longer. It is hard to watch the youngest in the family suffer and leave you. I am proud to make a donation to the Trinity Lutheran Classical School, and I will remember Bill at Mass this weekend. I have also been praying for all of you. I love you all.
Jessica says
Bill always had a story to tell! I often enjoyed hearing of his adventures and his political ideas. He will be missed!
Wayne Hodgson says
We were friends for a long time. I am fortunate that I was able to see Bill a couple of times in the last few years. I will always remember him and the friendship that we shared.
Lisa, Gerry, and the entire family, my condolences to you.
Wayne Hodgson
Darcy Boggs says
Such sad news. I graduated with Bill and always enjoyed running into him and catching up. My condolences to his family. He was a great guy. Rest in peace, Bill.
Bob Zikan says
Bill,
To our good friend and Fraternity Brother. You were always a good man and a kind soul. Like a lot of friends in Life, we always regret not staying in as good of touch as we should have. I apologize for not staying in touch like I should have. However, your passing has brought alot of good people back together and we are thankful for that! Your commitment to the Church & God is an inspiration as well. We will miss you!
Dori says
Bill was the friendliest guy you could ever meet. He had a heart of gold. Gonna miss you my friend. Rest in peace.