William Charles Isenberger
September 22, 1942 – November 20, 2025
William Charles Isenberger, 83, a longtime resident of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, passed away on November 20, 2025.
Bill was born on September 22, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Myron and Betty Isenberger. The youngest of two children, he grew up with his older sister, Myra. He carried a lifelong affection for his family roots and often spoke fondly of his parents and sister, who preceded him in death (Myron in 1989, Myra in 1999, and Betty in 2001).
Bill graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1962. He also served in the National Guard in Alaska and Washington from 1961 to 1966.
Bill built an honest, hardworking life as a Teamster truck driver and route salesperson. Over the years, he worked for K Ply for six years and for Darigold for four years. He later joined Peninsula Bottling Company, where he spent 25 years delivering Pepsi products throughout the Olympic Peninsula, from Neah Bay to Port Townsend. He took pride in doing his job well, knowing the routes, the people, and the communities he served. He retired from Peninsula Bottling on April 28, 2001.
In the late 1970s, Bill made a life-changing decision. Realizing that a sedentary lifestyle and smoking were taking a toll on his health, he quit cigarettes around 1977 and laced up running shoes instead. What started as an effort to feel better soon became a defining part of who he was. Bill began running 5Ks, then 10Ks, half marathons, and eventually full marathons.
From running, he moved into cycling, cross-country skiing, and later one of his greatest loves: sea kayaking. He not only paddled but also worked on and built kayaks, sharing many miles and many stories on the water with a wide circle of friends. The outdoors became his second home, whether he was on the road, in the mountains, or out on the sea. Even into his eighties, Bill’s determination and love of movement never left him. Until he became very ill, he was still riding his bike regularly, logging roughly 60 miles a week at the age of 83.
Family was at the center of Bill’s life. He and Carole had three children together, Bill, Dan, and Wendy, and he took great pride in watching them grow and build lives of their own. At the time of his passing, Bill was married to his loving wife of 30 years, Cynthia Isenberger, who walked beside him through his later years and final illness.
Bill is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his three children, Bill, Dan, and Wendy; his four grandchildren, Zachery, Sarah, Zoe, and Silas; and his three great-grandchildren, Elsia, Delilah, and Alexander. He is also survived by his niece and nephew, Suzane and Bruce, along with many friends who will miss him dearly.
He will be remembered for his steady presence, his stubborn determination, his big sense of humor, and his deep love of the natural world. Bill led more by example than by words, showing that it is never too late to change, to persevere, and to live fully.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Port Angeles Naval Elks Lodge Ballroom. All who knew Bill are invited to attend and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, 1743 Old Olympic Highway, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or online at https://www.op-hs.org/donate.
Donations can also be made to the Olympic Discovery Trail, PO Box 1836, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or online at https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/donate/.
