He was born March 25, 1918, on the family farm in Salmon, to George and Viola Schultz Waetzig. He was the fourth child of seven. He grew up on the family farm, going to school at Iron Creek and graduated from Salmon High School. Bill rode his horse four miles every day to attend school. Sometimes three of the kids rode together on the horse just to keep warm.

Bill was always a busy young fellow, there to help everyone at home, doing for his younger sisters and anyone else he could help. He built a playhouse on the hill and a road leading to it. He even took his sisters there in a wagon. Lloyd Morton, his nephew still owns the wagon. After graduating from high school in 1937 he entered the Navy. He was stationed on the USS California. When the ship sailed to Pearl Harbor he was left in the states since his time was nearly up. Of course, the USS California was bombed in Pearl Harbor and sunk. Bill was one of the lucky sailors. He returned home in 1942 to help his mother on the farm. Bill was drafted back in the service again from December 14, 1943 to December 7, 1945.

Bill worked at the mine in Cobalt. It was there that he lost an eye in an accident. He ranched in the Pahsimeroi Valley and at one time owned the Garden Creek Grocery. Bill also worked for Boeing in Seattle. Bill retired from the Forest Service in the early 1980's.

Bill was married three times. His first marriage ended in divorce. His second wife passed away. Bill married Madell Warf Latimer in 1975. They resided in Challis until 1984, when they moved to Washington, Utah. They returned to Challis in February 2007 to live in the Challis Assisted Living Center. Madell preceded Bill in death on December 25, 2007.

One of Bill's hobbies was carving figurines and other items from pecan wood. He was more than happy to share his creations with family and friends. He had a great personality and wonderful sense of humor. He loved to tease all of his nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his sisters, Florence Swanson and Doris Morton of Salmon and Marjorie Brown of Sheridan, Montana. He is also survived my numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Walter and a sister Betty.

Arrangements are under direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho. Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.