William Howard Neuens

Bill is survived by his wife, Cathy; his son, William Charles (Christine); his grandchildren, Ali Brinkman (Justin), Patrick and Andrew; his great grandchildren, Rhett William Brinkman and Maya Evelyn Brinkman; his brother, Ken (Christi) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Anne Neuens; his daughter, Julie Anne Neuens; his brother Gene Neuens; and his brother Donald Neuens.

Bill was born on September 3,1932 in Dickinson, North Dakota, to parents Walter and Evelyn Neuens. Raised on a ranch in Medora, North Dakota, he rode his horse to school in a one room schoolhouse. After the Little Missouri River flooded and destroyed their ranch, the family moved to Bismarck where Bill graduated from high school. Bill then attended the University of Denver where he was a member of the ATO Fraternity. He enlisted in the Colorado Air National Guard and served for thirty-one years, while working as a pilot for United Airlines. In both careers he was extremely successful! In the military, he began as an airplane mechanic and progressed to the rank of Brigadier General. Bill was a highly decorated pilot and was awarded both a Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was a lifelong member of the Super Sabre Society following his service in Vietnam. Bill was a pilot for United Airlines for more than 33 years; retiring in 1992 as Chief Pilot. These opportunities allowed him to do what he loved throughout his adulthood. He often said, “I never went to work a day in my life”.

Bill married Martha Anne in Denver, Colorado, in 1957 and the couple had two children together, William Charles (Chuck) and Julie. Always active, Bill skied, sailed and remained involved in his western heritage through his membership in the Roundup Riders of the Rockies. Upon retirement, Bill owned large boats and became Commodore of the Passe-a-Grille Yacht Club in Florida. He was instrumental in leading them to a successful merger with the St. Pete Yacht Club. When Anne passed away suddenly in 2016, Bill was devastated and lonely. He met Cathy on a blind date set up by his good friend, Bruce Hansen. Bill became lucky in love twice and as was his nature, jumped in headfirst and took charge. Cathy and Bill traveled to Europe, took several cruises and were very social in their golf community in Phoenix. Bill loved exploring the United States and Mexico with Cathy by his side in a recreational vehicle pulling their jeep behind.

Bill’s hobbies, social interests, time at United Airlines and the military gave him the gift of friends from all walks of life across the country. His family and friends will always remember him as a person they respected, valued and loved.

Interment at Fort Logan Cemetery, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 1 pm with Full Air Force Funeral Honors.