WILLIAM ALAN STEVENS

William “Bill” Alan Stevens, 83, beloved husband, father and “Bumpa” to his grandchildren and great

grandchildren passed away on October 11, 2021 in Eureka, MT. Bill was born on March 28th, 1938 in

Eureka to parents Ruby and Jack Stevens. Bill graduated from Lincoln County High School in Eureka in

1956 and went on to earn his Industrial Arts degree from Western Montana College in Dillon.

Bill met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Himmesoete in Eureka and eventually they married in 1956.

They were both teachers, offering them opportunities to educate in Oregon, Stevensville, Darby and

eventually Hamilton, MT.

Bill was very talented which enabled him to enjoy many professions. Early in his career teaching at the

Trapper Creek Job Corp Center, he was proud to bring many corpsmen into his home where they were

always treated like family and learned what life was like on a small farm.

Harvesting his select Douglas Fir Christmas trees in the fall from his Therriault Creek property southeast

of Eureka was something he looked forward to every year, selling to wholesale buyers and in Hamilton

for many years at “Bill’s Christmas Tree Lot”.

His father Jack crafted a “D-log” planer which led Bill to venture into the ownership of Lincoln Homes &

Lodges in 1971. The logs were milled and planed in Eureka then Bill would transport them to the job

sites where he constructed beautiful log homes, cabins, and businesses, notably The Coffee Cup Café in

Hamilton. Bill and his family enjoyed many amazing years working together in the Bitterroot Valley and

other unforgettable areas such as Polebridge, Flathead Lake, and Yellowstone.

1978 brought on yet another new adventure when he and Liz purchased The Loose Caboose Pizza and

Steakhouse in Hamilton. Bill’s hobby trout farm supplied many a scrumptious dinner at the restaurant.

An incredibly gifted artist, Bill’s paintings adorn many walls of family and friends. As a master craftsman

in woodworking, he built numerous tables, clocks, and bird houses, and was especially known for his

work on a lathe where he turned hundreds of beautiful wooden bowls of all sizes.

Bill was very passionate about his work and family. He had a very witty sense of humor and could

hold the ear of many with his funny stories and jokes. He was loved and admired by many. Bill was an

avid outdoorsman and enjoyed treating family and friends to many camping, hunting, and fishing

expeditions.

Upon retirement, Bill and Liz moved to Polson where they spent countless hours enjoying Flathead Lake,

competing for perch and lake trout honors. As always, they opened their home to family and friends and

would treat them to delicious home cooked meals and joyous hospitality. Bill masterfully fileted fish and

loved nothing more than to cook up a mess of perch for breakfast.

Bumpa dearly loved his grandchildren. He and Liz treasured their travels in their motorhome, oftentimes

with their grandchildren on board for another amazing life experience. Singing and telling endless dad

jokes, he led them on many excursions. Later, they spent many winters at their part-me home in Arizona

enjoying more friends, family, and fun times.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ruby Stevens; twin brother Willie, brother Jackie; and

grandson Ryan. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Liz; children Patti Schulte (Jock), John Stevens

(Patti), and Sandi Hall (Tiffin); grandchildren Johnny, Jessica, Savahna, Breeanna, Dain and Renni; brother

Roy, and sisters Anita and Iva Lee. Bill and Liz are proud great grandparents to 10; Cael and McKinley;

Fiona and Nolan; Mason and Myles; Amarie and Siena; Kaitlyn and Kaden.

The Stevens family would like to extend their gratitude and respect to Jim and his caregivers at the

Tobacco Road House for the unparalleled care Bill received during the last four years.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home. A Celebration Of Life is

planned for the spring of 2022 at Grandpa’s Pond in Eureka.

 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.