Billie D. Mende, 80
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Billie D. Mende, 80, passed away peacefully in his home, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. He was born March 4, 1929, in Terry, to Joseph and Lillian Mende. His mother died in childbirth so his aunt and uncle, Randy and Ervina Meek, lovingly raised him in Wibaux.
Growing up, he had several colorful years of interscholastic sports while playing with the American Legion baseball team of Miles City, during the summers of 1944 to 1946. Bill stamped himself as an outstanding football player at Wibaux High School and throughout Montana. He captained both the football and basketball teams for two years and was the top scorer for the District Four basketball champions. Bill was an outfielder for the Miles City team with a three-year batting average of .354. He also made an interscholastic sports record at Wibaux County High School and drew state and regional recognition in baseball.
He was offered spots with the White Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and New York Yankees, which eventually led to his signing up to play with the Yankees.
After attending college, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Before leaving for Korea, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Owens. After returning from the war, they moved around Montana until they made their home in Kalispell, and had five children whom he centered his life around.
Bill worked as an engineer in the Forest Service and later for private companies. He had a passion for nature and the outdoors and his jobs enabled him to do what he loved.
Bill was a quiet, honorable, loving man. His life was his family and spending time with them was his greatest joy. He saw the good in everyone, loved animals and all who met him, loved him.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; his brother, Gayle Mende, of Glendale, Calif.; and children, Jim and Maggie Mende of Perris, Calif., Randy and Debbie Mende of Oceanside, Calif., Mark and Sandra Mende of Pleasanton, Calif., Mike Mende and Doryl Thompson of Aliso Viejo, Calif., and Mike and Sandra Harp of Sterling, Alaska. He was adored by his grandchildren, Marcey, Rodney, Joe, Jimmy, Billie, John, Riley, Ryan and Tyler Mende, Kelly and Reese Pedersen, Kelly Smith and Ryder Harp; and great-grandchildren, Ryder and Haven Mende, and Paige Pedersen, Sydney and Joey Harp and Jude Smith.
Funeral services for Bill will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.