William Bill' E. Willging
August 10, 1927 ~ November 10, 2015
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
William 'Bill' E. Willging, 88, passed away Nov. 10, 2015. Survived by children, Dan (Julie) Willging and Ellen Willging (Terry) Martin; granddaughter, Kelli Willging; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; and brother, James Willging. Bill was born in O'Neill, Neb. on Aug. 10, 1927. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1946-1948 where he played first chair baritone in the Army band. Bill played offensive and defensive line at South Dakota School of Mines where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering in 1952. He worked for the Colorado State Highway Department as a professional civil engineer and licensed surveyor. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions, Elks and the Cathedral. He enjoyed singing in the Cathedral Church Choir, football and playing Irish penny whistles. Rosary, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, and funeral Mass, 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, both services at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 11th Street and Grand Ave. (414 W. 11th St.) Interment, Roselawn Cemetery. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Dan, Ellen and family members. Bill was a treasure trove of professional knowledge balanced with a tremendous sense of humor. He was great to work with at CDOT for so many years and brought smiles to the faces of all who knew him. He will be missed.
My sympathy to Dan, Ellen and all the family. I remember Bill and Rosemary as my neighbors back on Loch Lomond. Wonderful people. God bless each of you as you mourn the loss of this very special man.
To the Willging Family,
Missing Billy so much. I worked with Billy for 5 years at CDOT but new him for over 20 years. He knew my sons also and loved to share a good joke, song or story with all. He even taught my boys the cutest little song “Dirty Lil” which my boys thought was hilarious and sang over and over again and still know till this day. He was one of the kindest, most honest, gentle and funny gentleman that I am honored to have known. I will remember him always. I learned a lot from Billy, he had so much wisdom to share. He touched so many lives. Thank you Billy.
Bruce & Bernie Costa
We will grieve at the passing of Mr. Willging, but also
celebrate his life. We remember him as a
kind and gentle person. A man who loved
to sing in the choir. A friend to
all.
Special condolences to our friends Dan, Julie, Ellen and
Goddaughter Kelly.
It was a great day when I met Bill in 1982 beginning my career at the Department of Highways. Little did I know that this man would be the inspiration and guide for the rewarding career ahead of me – to this day. Bill was a gentle man, a gentle soul and so loved by all for his inspiration, story telling and insightful words of wisdom. I will always cherish the many conversations we had, even after he retired. My condolences to Danny and Ellen and the rest of the Willging family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Bill was the sweetest and kindest person I’ve ever known. I worked with him for 20 years and loved every minute of it. He was so smart and funny. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
My condolences and prayers for the Willging family. Bill was an immediate friend as I arrived at CDOT a year or two before he retired. I loved to just hear him talk in that deep melodious voice, and talk with him about music, the faith, politics, work, his time in Boulder (my hometown), South Dakota, and listen to him give civic lessons to engineer Bassam Issa and trade barbs with surveyor Walt Pachak. Truly a unique, welcoming, fun and fascinating person. I will always remember Bill Willging.
Dear Danny and Ellen,
So sorry for your loss…Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers…
Terry and Linda Holzrichter
We were neighbors for about five years. Bill had a great sense of humor and wonderful stories. We will miss seeing him and hearing his laugh.
Dear Willging family,
I am so sorry to hear of BIll’s passing. He was one of the nicest men I ever knew. My own dad, Pete Santarelli thought the world of your dad. May he rest in peace.
Paula Santarelli Demchuk
Danny and Ellen,
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle will be missed so much. He and Dad shared such a wonderful history, an endearing story-telling style and even the joy of the penny whistle. Dad loved him so much and I take some comfort knowing that they are reunited.
You and all in your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janet, Cathy and Audrey