Obituary - William "Bill" "Sarge" Silvernale

On Aug. 11 2015, Hill and Blaine Counties lost one of its oldest citizens. William "Bill" Silvernale, aka "Sarge," passed away silently at the age of 92 at the Sweet Memorial (Veterans) Nursing Home in Chinook, Montana, where he resided the past four and one half years.

He passed peacefully of natural causes.

Bill was preceded in death by sisters Mary Silvernale Sanchez of New Mexico and Donna Silvernale Horel of Rudyard, Montana, and his wife of 39 years, Lorraine Figiel Silvernale.

Bill/Sarge is survived by his three children - John Silvernale (Sandy Wipperman) of Conrad, Montana, Gina Silvernale of Folsom, California, and Carla Silvernale of Phoenix, Arizona, two grandchildren - Jason Silvernale of Butte, Montana and Jenny Silvernale of Missoula, Montana, and a nephew and niece - Joe Horel (Marsha)of Rudyard, Montana and Lynne Theusen (Gary Theusen) of Columbia Falls, Montana.

Bill/Sarge was born on June 24, 1923, at a homestead farm north of Big Sandy and west of Box Elder, Montana. He was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad and worked at Havre's Yard Office for more than 40 years. During his tenure, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and enlisted in the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force (1948-1952). During the 1970's railroad strikes and labor unrest, he served as the local president of the Steamship and Railroad Union.

Bill personally enjoyed farming, gardening, woodworking, and listening to local and national sports. Publically, he was recognized mostly for his participation in bowling leagues (1984 Doubles Bowling State Title), patronizing local coffee shops with Havre friends and businessmen, and spending time on Havre's dance floors.

Bill will be truly missed by his family and friends, and he will be a missed citizen and figure of Havre and a resident of the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place in Havre next year on June 24, 2016, recognizing what would have been his 93rd birthday. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, and you can leave your condolences for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.