Elmer William "Bill" Genger

 Affectionately known as “Pappy”, Elmer William “Bill” Genger was born on February, 23rd 1939 in Great Falls, Montana.

Bill was raised in Fairfield, Montana where he spent most of his time working on his family's ranches in both Montana and Canada. While growing up ranching and riding bucking broncos, Bill also enjoyed playing football and working with cars. Both passions that he would carry throughout his life.

On April 5th,1962 Bill was drafted, and he would leave his ranches to begin active service for the US Army. His initial station in Butte, Montana would be short-lived as he was deployed to Germany for the Korean War. His time in the Army would give him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Bill was honorably discharged and returned to the U.S. to pursue his next adventure.

This adventure would take him to Colorado and to the University of Denver, where he pursued his educational goal to obtain his degree in business. Bill would soon meet Maureen, the love of his life, while on a double date with his long-life friends from college. He quickly understood how special she was and asked for her hand in marriage while celebrating Saint Patrick's day in 1966. Maureen and Bill would begin their lifelong journey together on September 2nd, 1967 where they were joined in matrimony at Christ the King Church in Denver, Colorado.

Soon after being married, Bill's career in business would see him and Maureen move to Yonkers, New York. While in New York they would meet some of their closest friends. However, the most important thing to come out of New York was Bill and Maureen's first child, Jeff. An opportunity for advancement would move their small family across the country to San Francisco, California.

While in California Bill earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University in 1972. Little did Jeff know he would soon have a baby sister. While in California Bill and Maureen welcomed their second child, Katie into the world. 

Their time in California was coming to an end and Maureen and Bill decided to return to the place where they first met and where they truly called home, Colorado. They moved to Westminster where they would complete their family with the birth of their third child, Sarah.

Bill and Maureen grew their roots deep in Colorado taking full advantage of the mountains where they enjoyed visiting with family and skiing. They became active and beloved members of the Catholic church and instilled a deep love of Christ in their family. Bill lived a philanthropic life. In addition to his active time in the church, he also made sure to involve himself in his own community.

Bill became an active member of the Mile High Optimist Club and would eventually become their president. Bill truly believed in helping and supporting the future generations. He would volunteer his time reading to inner city children, host gifting events for the holidays and actively fundraise bike drives for underprivileged children. Bill also made sure to devote a large portion of his time volunteering and raising money for cancer research through the Wines for Life Foundation. While being so involved in his community he also worked his way up to become Vice President at Beverage Distributors Corporation eventually retiring in 1999.

Once he retired, he and Maureen began to travel. They had a few favorite places they loved to visit. They loved going back to the east coast to watch the leaves change in the fall. They loved traveling all across the United States and Europe. But they especially loved their visit to the Holy Land.

Bill and Maureen enjoyed their life to the fullest. They had a marriage of 47 long years where they were a team and a truly loving partnership. Bill and Maureen always took care of one another, through cancer and every other hardship they faced. 

Bill had a beautiful and amazing life full of adventure and accomplishments. Bill was extremely proud of his family and took great pride in all that his family accomplished. He was always there to help and provide advice. Bill Genger passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on the 13th day of July, 2024. Bill was a consummate business professional, passionate fisherman, lover of antique vehicles, cancer survivor and beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather. 

William (Bill) Elmer Genger, beloved husband of Maureen M. Genger. Loving Father of Jeff Genger, Katie Genger, and Sarah (Nate) Reid. Grandfather to Brittani, McKenzie (Nik), Christopher, Emma, Addelyn, and Braden. Great Grandfather to Alexander and soon to be baby Britegam. Brother to Kirk (Peggy) Genger. 

Funeral Mass will be held on August 8, 2024 at Ten O'Clock in the Morning at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club. 

If you would like to make a donation in Bill's honor, please do so with the Salvation Army.

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout?amount=Other 

Bill's Funeral Service Livestream