Bill died November 24, 2003, in Lakeside, Montana, where he and his wife Faye had retired in 1980. He was born February 5, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from high school, he worked in an aircraft factory before joining the Navy in 1944.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Bill attended the University of Montana and graduated in 1950 with a degree in forestry. He then went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad as a civil engineer until his retirement. Bill retired as Assistant Superintendent of Roadway Maintenance for the Wisconsin Division.Bill was an NSA member.