William Alfred Bronstad "Bill"

William “Bill” Alfred Bronstad peacefully passed away to his eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, with both his daughter, Jody, and his beloved dog, Mack, by his side. He was 76 years old. We are comforted knowing he was reunited in Heaven with his wife, Sandy Bronstad, daughter, Beckie Hart, as well as many other loved ones. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2011, and then pancreatic cancer in January of 2019, he weathered his many medical appointments and treatments like a true champ.

Bill was born August 14, 1943, in Ithaca, New York, to Eunice and Tom Bronstad. He had one older brother, Jay, a younger sister, Alice, and two younger brothers, Bruce and Jim. Bill’s family moved to Springfield, Illinois before his first birthday, then on to Texas in 1947. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1962, and was drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He suffered a stress fracture in training that required a full body cast and 19 weeks at Beach Pavilion, BAMC. After recovery, he transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, MO and worked in carpentry/wood working, which became his passion, hobby, and career.

He met Sandy, the love of his life, and they married in 1968. They had been married for 23 years when she passed away. Bill was heart broken and chose to remain single, until their reunion this week.

Bill worked at a couple of cabinet shops early in his career, then landed at Oncken and Sons for 32 years. He worked there until his sudden retirement in 2011, due to his cancer diagnoses. The Oncken’s were wonderful at working with Bill during this time, which eased the stress of his serious medical situation.

Bill loved spending time with his family, at some point living near, or with each of his children. He spent the majority of his time out in his garage, building any and everything you can imagine. He shared his love of cabinet making with his son, Robert, and it made him very proud that Robert added cabinet making to his long list of talents. For many years, on his way home from work, Bill would pick up his youngest grandson, Clay, to spend the weekend with him. They would build things and often go on adventures with Jody. These were treasured times for them.

When he was unable to work with machinery, due to nerve damage from chemotherapy, he enjoyed making models of old cars and watching old western movies. He was a very simple and laid back man, who enjoyed a cold Lone Star or two, most days.

He spent the last 10 years of his life living with his daughter, Jody. During this time, he affectionately won over the heart of one of Jody’s dogs. Mack became his constant companion, and never left his side during the 18 days he was on hospice at home. Jody’s friends and coworkers loved to hear “Dad” stories, and many got to know and love him as he went with her almost everywhere.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Bronstad, daughter, Beckie Hart, parents, Tom and Eunice Bronstad, older brother, Jay Jenkins, younger brother, Jim Bronstad, and his beloved grandmother, Mary Emma Mullinix Williams, whom he called an angel on earth.

He is survived by his children, Robert Bronstad and wife Lisa. Jody Elsworth and husband, Nathan. Grandchildren: Jason Bronstad, Matthew Bronstad, Robert Lee Bronstad, Rick Wilmore, Tiffany Hinojosa, Brittany Hart, and Clay Hart and wife Ashlee. One great grandchild: Sandra Hinojosa: Step Grandchildren: Christopher Bode, Jacob and Morgan Elsworth. Siblings: Alice Kruse(Jerry), Bruce Bronstad(Kathy Rafferty). Cousin: Jack Bronstad and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice for their loving care. A special thank you to Nathan, Clay, Ashlee, and Bruce for stepping in to help with his care and many appointments over the last 6 months.

The family will receive visitors at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North 1604 East, on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, 3-7pm, with consideration given to social distancing.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 12:00pm at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North 1604 East, with Pastor John Hinkebein officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Country Memorial Gardens, 11700 State Hwy 46 West, New Braunfels, Texas, both with consideration given to social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverside Community Church, 1100 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, Texas, 78163, or the American Cancer Society.