William Edward Willigrod

November 27, 1937 – July 23, 2023

Murrieta, California

Bill Willigrod passed away on Sunday, July 23rd at the age of 85. He was the beloved father of Connie, Steve, and David Willigrod, and son of George Edward Willigrod and Alene Brent (Wilson) Willigrod. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Monica; his three children and five grandchildren (Garrett, Michael, Peyton, David, and Will); Monica’s two children from a previous marriage, Raymond and Annette Sariego; and Annette’s son Nicolas. His older sister, Barbara (Willigrod) DeBlassie, preceded him in death four years ago.

Bill was born in Gallup, New Mexico and spent his formative years in Albuquerque where he graduated high school. In his early years in New Mexico, Bill enjoyed cars, motorcycles, leatherworking, boxing, and pistol shooting.

Bill had a 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from the University of Arizona. He took up golf in 1971 while living at Peterson AFB, in Colorado, spending much time at the base golf course and encouraging his family to play. Golf became a passion of his for the rest of his life.

Bill’s military career involved working with radar systems. He retired from the Air force in 1982, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and moved to Southern California to continue working with radar systems for Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon, and ITT. Bill retired in 2000 when he and Monica moved to Murrieta, where they enjoyed a retirement filled with golf, travel, family, and friends.

Bill died after a long battle with vascular dementia. A private memorial service for Bill will be announced soon.