Obituary: William H. "Bill" Baltrusch

William H. "Bill" Baltrusch, 87, passed away at his residence Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017. Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Havre Assembly of God Church with Pastor Bill Ballance and Pastor Curt Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Bill's family has suggested memorial donations be made to the Bill Baltrusch Memorial Fund at the Assembly of God Church of Havre, Rocky Boy or Lodge Pole. Contributions can be made to the Montana Assembly of God District Council FBO Bill Baltrusch Memorial Fund; 2147 Overland Ave #100 Billings, MT 59102. Funds will be designated for children's scholarships to Bible Camp, creating a legacy to continue his tradition of giving to this cause.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Bill's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Bill was born Dec. 27, 1929, in Havre to Otto and Mary (Echelard) Baltrusch Sr. He was raised in Havre and after completing his education he immediately started his road construction business. A few years later he entered the U.S. Air Force, serving for our country. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, Bill returned home and married Betty Cowan in Big Sandy Dec. 29, 1954. The couple made their home in Havre and raised their three daughters. Bill and Betty recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mary (Echelard) Baltrusch Sr., and his siblings James Baltrusch, Otto Baltrusch Jr., Gerda Round and an infant sister, Dorothy Baltrusch.

Bill is survived by his loving wife and lifetime companion, Betty Baltrusch of Havre; his daughters, Cheryl Lynne of Idaho, Brenda (Steve) Sjoberg of Washington, and Carol (Barry) Uhling of Arizona; his grandchildren, Justin Schippers, Nichole Basl, Aubrey Uhling, Stephanie Sjoberg and Kelsey Sjoberg; his great-grandson, Jasper Basl, and his expected great-granddaughter. Also surviving are his sisters Mary Jordan, Erna Danelson and Ruth (Scotty) Clark; his brother Carl (Shari) Baltrusch; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Baltrusch and Frances Baltrusch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was a general contractor and owner of Bill Baltrusch Construction. He worked from a young age up until a few months before his death. His unwavering faith in God carried him through all obstacles of life. 

He had a strong work ethic and thoroughly enjoyed his livelihood. He was a mentor to many and shared his enthusiasm with all. Bill was a caring and compassionate person, always putting the needs of others before himself. His passion of serving was evident by his generosity to his family, friends and community. Bill's highest priority and source of pride was his much-cherished family. 

Bill was known for his ease in frequent conversations, even with total strangers, treating everyone with dignity and respect. His blue eyes and contagious smile captured attention and would light up a room. Bill's gift of joy, entertaining sense of humor and laughter will always be remembered.