William J. "Bill" Morrelle

HAMILTON - William J. Morrelle, 96, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at his home. He was born on a farm near New Salem, ND on January 6, 1918 the son of John B. and Ida A. (Bethke) Morrelle.
Bill lived on the farm until graduating from high school in 1938. He moved to Glendive, MT in 1940 and then enlisted into the US Army in February of 1941.
Bill served in many campaigns and battles including Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, and Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Croix De Guerre, the Bronze Service Arrowhead and numerous other awards.
After his honorable discharge in July of 1945, Bill moved back to Glendive. He married Myrtle "Mert" Koenig in Glendive on June 16, 1946 and together they moved to Billings shortly after they were married. Bill worked many years for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, retiring in 1978. In that same year Bill and Mert moved to Grantsdale and eventually into Hamilton.
Bill was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Trench Rats 3rd Infantry Society, the Masonic Lodge, the National Rifle Association, the Gem and Mineral Society, Ravalli Fish and Wildlife and the First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Mert; his brother, Raymond Morrelle; his niece, Hope Donges; and 2 sisters-in-law, Betty and Bobbie Morrelle. He is survived by his brother, Chester Morrelle of Mandan, ND, 4 nieces and 1 nephew. The family suggests that memorials be made to any Veterans Organization of the donor's choice.