William Tonkovich

William “Bill” Anthony Tonkovich, 97, of Great Falls, died on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Bill passed peacefully in the night with his wife of nearly 65 years, Virginia, at his side. Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church Saturday, September 17 at 10am followed by interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Bill was born in Black Eagle, MT April 3, 1919 to mother Ann and father Frank Tonkovich. He grew up with four brothers and two sisters. After attending Collins grade school in Black Eagle, he graduated with the Great Falls High Class of 1937. Bill served during World War II, starting with basic training at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington and progressing to Army Ranger School in Fort Benning, Georgia. He deployed in England and was a part of the second wave of forces after D-Day through France, Germany, and other countries. After returning home to Great Falls, he married Virginia Antonich on October 20, 1951. Bill and Virginia had two sons and one daughter. Bill worked at the Anaconda Copper Smelter in Black Eagle for 28 years, retiring in 1983 when the plant closed. Bill enjoyed the outdoor activities of Montana, spending many weekends hunting in the mountains with friends and relatives or fishing at Holter Lake with his lifelong friend Lloyd Stanish (1921-2011). He passed his fishing passion along to his two sons who became avid fly fishermen. He was also an amateur historian who was often interviewed for his knowledge of Great Falls and was a lifelong gardener with an annual tomato crop. Bill entertained us all with stories of his growing up in Black Eagle, riding the rails with Lloyd, his years in the Army and many life adventures. We will all miss these stories. Bill is survived by his wife Virginia Tonkovich, his eldest son Jerry and his wife Debbie Tonkovich and their children Amanda, Katie, Dan and Rachael of Seattle, WA, daughter Sue and husband Chip Anderson of Craig, MT, and son Steve and wife Marsha Tonkovich of Gladwyne, PA.. He was preceded in death by his brothers Frank, Tom, John, and Louis and his sisters Ann and Mary.