Obituary - Billy J. Buerkle

Billy J. Buerkle, 56, passed away November 22, 2021, at the Northern Montana Hospital from complications of pneumonia.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Beaver Creek Golf Course beginning at 6 p.m. It will be a potluck; you may bring your favorite dish or barbecue your food there.

Memorials in Billy's honor may be made to a memorial of one's choice. Please visit Bill's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Billy John Buerkle was born February 11, 1965, in Havre, Montana, to LeRoy and Mary Ann (Barileach) Buerkle. He was raised and educated in Havre, graduating from Havre High School in 1983. After graduation, Bill went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad as an electrical engineer.

He married Becky Sterner in 1985 and had an instant family with her daughter Mandy. Becky passed away in 2003.

Bill was a hard worker. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and was an excellent cook. He was a compassionate person who loved and cared for many. His favorite things were to camp in the Bear Paw Mountains and at Hungry Horse. He is described as a quiet soul with a heart of gold, best cook around, master wood worker, amazing grandpa and role model. Always up for adventure, whether it was to the Bear Paw Mountains, to Fresno, to Flathead for skiing and camping, to Fort Peck, to Zortman, to Seattle or to Hawaii. He was a daredevil, especially on his motorcycle. He always enjoyed family and his lifelong "extended" camping family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Becky Buerkle.

Bill is survived by his spouse and best friend of 13 years, Sheila Forshee, stepdaughter, Mandy Fladager of Peerless, Montana; two stepchildren, daughter, Rebecca Wolcott and son, Jacob Wolcott; his siblings, Pam Buerkle/Shepherd and Kathy Brough of Havre, brother, Mitch Buerkle and Betty Claude of Columbia Falls, MT; seven grandsons; one granddaughter, several nieces and nephews.