William Oscar Lundstrom

William Oscar Lundstrom, January 9, 1937 to July 31, 2012. Bill was born in Terra Haute, Indiana to parents Oscar C. and Norma H. Lundstrom. He passed away in the early morning hours of July 31 after a long battle with cancer. Bill was an outstanding athlete in high school and loved to play basketball. He also participated in track and field and excelled in both sports. Bill attended St. Patrick Grade School and later graduated from Shulte High School in Terra Haute. Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his four years, being honorably discharged as a decorated company clerk. While in the service, he met and became good friends with Gary Ferguson of Hysham, Mont. Bill met Gloria Ferguson at a dance and they were later married in 1961. In 1963 a son was born, Billy Ray. Bill met Fern Robertson in Ronan while working at the grain elevator, and they later married and started ranching together in Round Butte. Though they later divorced, they continued to remain good friends throughout the years. Bill loved wildlife and helping injured animals. He also loved dogs and cats and would always help or nurse a sick animal back to health. Bill started a hunting club and shooting preserve on the ranch west of Ronan where he raised pheasants and other critters and birds. He also loved to garden and raise good veggies. He loved to have his friends around and his local visits to the office to see his buddies. Bill had a good heart and would help anybody he could if given the chance. Bill loved to go fishing with his son Billy anytime he could and they shared some good times together. Bill is survived by his son Billy Ray Lundstrom, of Lolo and his sisters, Norma Prevo, and Rita Avary of Marshall, Ill. and two brothers-in-law, James Schwartz of Naples, Florida and Ted Watts of Silver Springs, Md. plus several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Helen, Margaret, Mary Jo, and Catherine. At Bill’s request, he was cremated and his ashes will be spread on his beloved pond Lake William out at the Round Butte Ranch. Bill did not want a service, just to be remembered as a good guy who loved his friends, and animals. Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home helped with arrangements.