William Omer Peck

William “Bill” Omer Peck, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Surprise, Arizona, at the age of 83. His was a long and exemplary life that ended shortly after he was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in late July.

Bill was born on September 20, 1941, in Rigby, Idaho, the eldest son of Leonard Junior Peck and Ruth Cordon. One of seven siblings, he is survived by Jackie Blanchard, Robert “Bob” Peck, Marilyn Rumsey, Gregory Peck, and Doug Peck, and was preceded in death by his brother Roger Peck.

Bill met his sweetheart Marnelle Mae Ellis at a dance (that her roommates dragged her to) while attending Brigham Young University. Bill always claimed he saw her ‘across a crowded room’. Bill and Marnie were married in the Idaho Falls LDS temple on September 11, 1970. Together, they loved and nurtured a wonderful family of five children. Robert (married to Jolyn Topham), Wayne (married to Yvette Pierce), Nathan (married to Maria Kennard), Kelli (married to Christopher Reed), and Christina (married to Charles Gray).

He was a proud grandfather of 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (and counting).

Bill’s journey through life was marked by service and achievement. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Industrial Arts from Ricks College (1968) and graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and a minor in Computer Science. His professional path led him into the fields of technology and government contracting, where he worked with Kenway Engineering, Univac, TRW, and ILEX, and traveled on assignments worldwide—from Europe to Asia.

He faithfully served his country in the United States Navy (1960–1964). His life long devotion as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was genuine and deep—he served a two year full-time mission in Texas for the Church, was called to be bishop in Wiesbaden, Germany, and labored with love as a temple worker in Washington, D.C., Frankfurt, Germany, Seoul, Korea, and Phoenix, AZ. Bill was a gifted singer who had the privilege of performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (now the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square), sharing music with audiences around the world—including historic performances in Israel and appearances before two U.S. Presidents. He also was a dedicated scout master in the boy scouts., leading and assisting boys to develop the self confidence to do hard things; to become good, dependable men. And he managed to throw in a little bird watching tutorials along the way.

His passions—music, storytelling, history, teaching, faith, and humor—reflect the love and strength he shared with all who knew him. Bill was admired for his craftsmanship, intelligence, spiritual insight, and Christ-like charity. He leaves a legacy of warmth, love, and service.

A funeral service will be held at Surprise - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 14916 N Sarival Ave, Surprise, AZ 85388, on August 29, 2025. The viewing will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by another service from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

A committal service will be conducted at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024, on August 29, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.