Victor – William (Bill) Dexter Stephani, 84, of Victor, Montana passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at his home in Victor. He was continuously surrounded by his loving wife Barbara, adopted daughters Roylene Gaul and Roxane White, son-in-law Bruce Gaul and grandchildren Becky Byrne, Kristy Gaul, Donalyn White, grandson-in-law Joe Byrne and great granddaughter Gracelyn. He was also loved by his brother Evon and family of Corvallis and sister Lillie of Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert, and sisters, Roberta and Lucille. Bill was born on November 17, 1931 in Fort Benton and moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1938. He graduated from Corvallis High School (1949) and the University of Idaho (1954). He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1974, retiring as a Major after serving for two tours of duty in Vietnam and earning the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
He was active in the Bitterroot Post 1430 of the VFW and met his wife Barbara while chairing the Voice of Democracy program. He was the Ravalli County Veterans Burial Supervisor for years, ensuring veterans were honorably buried and flags were placed on Memorial Day. He took pride in registering 18 year olds at Victor High School to vote.
He was a member and elder at Hamilton Presbyterian Church. He was active in supporting the Glacier Presbyterian Church and worked hard on the camp renovation and to help kids go to camp. He and Barbara were founding members of the Victor School Foundation and worked hard to construct the Victor Senior Citizen Center. He also volunteered at the National Bison Range, the Heifer Project, and Ravalli County Democratic Association, among others.
Bill loved to fish and could frequently be found at the cabin on Painted Rocks or up Hughes Creek. He also enjoyed playing cards, hunting, and supporting young people to go to college.
Graveside services were held on Saturday, August 27 at Victor Cemetery. Military honors were presented by the US Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League-Bitterroot Detachment. Condolences may be left for the family at dalyleachchapel.com
In lieu of flowers, this proud Marine asked for memorials to be made to the Glacier Presbyterian Camp at GlacierCamp.org or P.O. Box 384, Lakeside MT 59922 or the Victor School Foundation at victor.k12.mt.us or 425 4th Avenue, Victor MT 59875.