William “Bill” Clayton Haverkorn, 69, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, sons and daughter by his side, on Dec. 24, 2011, following a long, courageous battle with COPD.

Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Willy (William, when in trouble with the Mrs.) was born May 22, 1942, in Green Bay, Wis., to Clayton Haverkorn and Shirley Fry. He attended Whitefish High School, then married Carol Ward on Sept. 8, 1962; together they raised four children.

He worked at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls for 30 years. He was also honorably discharged from the National Guard after serving for five years.

Bill enjoyed all outdoor activities, as well as teaching all family members how to water ski.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carol, of 49 years; and children, Tony and Suzanne, Terry and JoAnn, Tracy and Tricia Haverkorn, and Tina and John Piper; nine grandchildren, Savanah, Kelcie, Kyle, Jake, Josh, Tiffany and Trever Haverkorn, and Katelynn, and Michael and Shelby Piper; and one great-grandchild, Colt Piper.

Graveside rites will be held at 11 a.m., Jan. 7, at Woodlawn Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m. for family and friends to share memories of Bill, at the home of Tracy Haverkorn, 55 Jada Road, off of Middle Road.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.

You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and to view Bill’s tribute wall.