Bill

Obituary

William "Bill" Edward Stoelk

March 28, 1946- May 13, 2026

William "Bill" Edward Stoelk, 80, passed away at his home in Basin, Wyoming on May 13, 2026 with his loving wife by his side.

Born on March 28,1946 to Irwin Clive and Ruth Janet (Hathaway) Stoelk, Bill was a true Basin native. Being born, raising his family and ultimately passing away in his hometown. He graduated from Basin High School in 1965 and then went into the National Guard where he proudly served his country.

Bill met and married Mary Gillette and had three girls: Delyn, Wyndi and Shileen. The two later divorced.

Bill met Connie Henderson in Basin and they quickly fell in love. They were married on November 5, 1973 at the LDS church in Basin/Greybull. The two shared a beautiful life for 53 ½ years, raising their daughter, Misty and loving each other more with each passing year. Above all else, Bill loved his family deeply.

As a man who took pride in working hard, Bill held a variety of jobs over the years. He worked for Morgan & Oswood Construction, Melvin Winterholler, Baten Horses, and was foreman for the City of Basin for 27 ½ years.

Though he loved his jobs, Bill took time to enjoy life. He was a talented carpenter and woodworker, crafting beautiful jewelry boxes that each of the girls in his life cherished. Bill enjoyed spending time on the water, whether boating, water skiing, or fishing. He had a great time teaching his children how to water ski, cheering them on with patience and humor, even teaching one daughter how to 'slam ski' (ski on one ski). Bill would rarely pass up the chance to go hunting, camping, or fishing. He loved the great outdoors and found so much peace just by being in nature, it truly fed his soul. An accomplished trumpet player and drummer, music was an important part of who Bill was, often sharing his own talents whenever possible. Bill was known for his quick wit and mischievous grin. He loved to joke around and keep people laughing. He believed no gathering was complete without a little harmless teasing and giggling, and there was plenty to go around wherever he was.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clive and Ruth Stoelk; brother, Craig Stoelk; daughter, Jennette Stoelk; great-granddaughter, Zade Edward; sister-in-law, Sheila Stoelk; in-laws, Leonard and Lucille Henderson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Stoelk, of Basin WY; daughters, Misty Vanderploeg of Bozeman, Montana, Delyn (Dr. Stephen Hu) of Phoenix, AZ, Wyndi (Roshiem) Austin of Los Angeles, CA and Shileen (Scott) Downs of Phoenix, AZ; brother, Bradford Lynn Stoelk of Phoenix, AZ; Grandchildren: Vaidyn Vanderploeg, Vinaya Vanderploeg ,Shanee (Jonathan) Edwards, Gray Graham (Jensen Bennett), Reed Graham , Tatum Graham, Dr. Trevor Hu, Harrison Hu, Ryann Edwards, Aidan Edwards, Isiah Austin and Myka Austin; great-grandchildren: Zebadiah Edwards, Zadie Edwards and Zephyr Edwards; nieces, Lindsey (Justin Vredenburg), Dana (Tucker) Lillis; nephews: Todd Stoelk, Ryan Stoelk (Eve Davison), Paul Smith (Jenna Smith) as well as numerous cousins.

Bill's steady guidance, humor, and strength will be sorely missed, but the memories he created and the love he gave will remain in our hearts forever.

A graveside service, including full military honors, will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name are requested to be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.