William John Propheter

Bill proudly served his country from 1979 to 1983 being a tank driver in Germany. After his honorable discharge from the Army he worked as a devoted employee for Shamrock Farms, starting in the cold room and ending as the case dock supervisor, for 38 years.

Bill was an avid gun enthusiast and a lifelong admirer of well-made guns. He spent countless, happy hours cleaning and organizing his collection, sometimes even on the good dining room table! He enjoyed talking about them – often to people who did not ask, but listened anyway.

Bill’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He loved his wife of 45 wonderful years wholeheartedly. Life blessed them with 3 daughters, Diana, Linda and Denise. He had a special and individual bond with each of them. (But we all know who was the favorite!) Bill was also blessed with five grandchildren; Savannah, Max, Laila, Kailee and Grant. Three great grandchildren, Oliver, Hunter and Sage round out his loving family. After Bill retired one of his greatest joys was carpooling Laila, Kailee and Grant to and from school. He delighted in bringing snacks to them after a long day at school and hearing their tales and secrets.

Bill was well liked by all who had the privilege to know him and he truly valued his friendships. He participated in a morning breakfast club with many of his buddies. Many of these guys were lifelong friends from his high school years and others were newer friends acquired during his lifetime.

Bill was also an animal lover and had a variety of dogs over the years. Gilbert turned out to be his favorite dog that he got to enjoy in his retirement years and was his best buddy following him everywhere around the house. Because of Gilbert, Bill spent countless hours watching dachshund videos on Facebook, and sending them to family and friends.

Bill was known for his kindness and his loving heart. His outward appearance may have made him look big and tough and scary but his grandchildren saw through this exterior to the teddy bear storyteller, snack provider, rule-bender, secret keeper and their biggest fan. He never missed an opportunity to brag about them, show others their pictures or declare them “the best grandkids around”.

Another role Bill played was that of peacemaker in multiple situations (especially in a house full of females) and he always tried to right any wrongs. He taught his daughters and grandchildren many important life lessons, including patience, kindness, empathy, love, confidence, to love the Lord and the ability to see humor in just about any situation life may throw at you. “Would you quit moving the flashlight!”

Bill was a child of his Lord and Savior and served his church and many of the parishioners with kindness, compassion and concern. We are assured he is now at peace and living in God’s kingdom.

We will miss his hugs, jokes, silly sayings and the way he could make us feel like the most important person in the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests spending time with loved ones, hugging them, telling them a story or two and letting them know how much you love them. Appreciate the things you care about – just like Bill did. If you find yourself at Costco, make sure to stop and have a hotdog for him!