William Dexter Stephani

William (Bill) Dexter Stephani, 84, of Victor, Montana passed away on August 23, 2016 at his home.  Bill was continuously surrounded by his loving wife Barbara, daughters Roylene (Bruce) Gaul and Roxane White, and grandchildren Becky (Joseph) Byrne, Kristy Gaul, and Donalyn White, and great granddaughter Gracelyn and their extended family.  He was also loved by his brother Evon and family of Corvallis and sister Lillie of Hamilton.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert and sisters, Roberta and Lucille. 

Bill was born on November 17, 1931 in Fort Benton and moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1938.  He graduated from Corvallis High School (1949) and the University of Idaho (1954).  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1974 retiring as a Major after serving for two tours of duty in Vietnam and earning the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. 

He was active in the Bitterroot Post 1430 of the VFW and met and married his wife Barbara in 1980 while chairing the Voice of Democracy program. He was the Ravalli County Veterans Burial Supervisor for years ensuring Veterans were honorably brief and flags were placed on Memorial Day. He took pride in registering 18 year olds at Victor and Corvallis High School to vote. 

He was a member and elder at Hamilton Presbyterian Church.  He was active in supporting the Glacier Presbyterian Church and worked hard on the camp renovation and to help kids go to camp. He and Barbara were founding members of the Victor School Foundation and worked hard to construct the Victor Senior Citizen Center. He also volunteered at the National Bison Range, for Heifer Project, and Ravalli County Democratic Association, amongst others.   Bill enjoyed working with young people and volunteered with Barbara at schools and centers in numerous states. 

Bill loved to fish and could frequently be found at the cabin on Painted Rocks or up Hughes Creek.  He also enjoyed playing cards, hunting, and supporting young people to go to college. 

Services will be on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Victor Cemetery.  Following the services, friends and family are invited to the home. 

In lieu of flowers, this proud Marine asked for memorials to be made to the Glacier Presbyterian Camp at GlacierCamp.org or P.O. box 384 Lakeside, MT 59922 or the Victor School Foundation at victor.k12.mt.us or 425 4th Ave. Victor, MT 59875 or to any program for supporting children.