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Billy Warneke Obituary
Billy Warneke, 25, and his wife, Roxanne, were expecting their first child in December, his grandmother, Nancy Warneke, told The Press-Enterprise newspaper in Riverside, Calif. Warneke grew up in Hemet, Calif., along with his fellow Granite Mountain hotshot, Chris MacKenzie. He was a four-year Marine Corps veteran who served a tour in Iraq and had joined the hotshot crew in April, buying a property in Prescott, near where his sister lived, the newspaper reported.
Nancy Warneke said she called Billy's sister after seeing the fire on the news.
"She said, 'He's gone. They're all gone,'" Nancy Warneke told The Press-Enterprise. "Even though it's a tragedy for the whole family, he was doing what he loved to do. He loved nature and was helping preserve nature."
Contributing to this report were AP reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles and Hannah Dreier in Prescott.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
80 Entries
Chris Ferguson
February 6, 2021
Was one of my Junior Marine in 2/4. Proud to have served with him and think of him often. Never forgotten ever.
Jodi Young
April 14, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rhonda Snyder
July 10, 2014
A a Prescott Fire Dept wife, I know the aspects of the job and no matter how hard you prepare yourself. Its not easy to loose a loved one. Hang in there and with all my heart may God and Billy always be with you...
How you can show support
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of Billy,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
Donna Lynn
September 2, 2013
Our Hearts and prayers go out to Roxanne Warneke and the Warneke Family!
A headstone from ireland quote
August 15, 2013
A mountain reflection the stars
August 11, 2013
Michelle Kendall & Family
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
The voyage
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Warneke
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
July 25, 2013
God Bless!
Nikki Aloisio
July 11, 2013
Lifting you up in prayer. May God comfort
this family and give them peace.
" The HotShots will be loved and
remembered forever"
R. Gottlieb
July 11, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. As a veteran and firefighter, William was a man of character and I will continue to pray for your family.
Ross Brantner
July 10, 2013
Thank You for your service and God Bless.
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
July 10, 2013
Thank you friend
Lucy Gallardo
July 9, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Warneke family. May God Bless You All.
Rodney Sanford
July 9, 2013
May your friend and love one rest in peace! He died what he loved doing the best! SEMPER FI!
Kevin and Tasha
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Barbara Kolb
July 8, 2013
So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
July 6, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Kathie and the entire Holland/Warneke family. We send our love and support. You are in our prayers and always in our hearts. The Serrao Family ... Bruce, Nancy, Bonnie and Fran and families.
Stella Marshall
July 6, 2013
In the words of Job "You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning." God is tender in mercy and longs to see your loved ones united with you. Please be comforted by His promises. May His blessings shower you in the coming days.
Marjean Kinsey
July 5, 2013
May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that William was and will always be a hero.
Laurie Miller
July 5, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Purkey and Warneke families. God bless you all. I had the honor of knowing Billy, his siblings and his parents . My heart is truly reaching out to each and everyone of them. REST IN PEACE, BILLY.
Chris Holland
July 5, 2013
Cousin Billy,
You will be missed greatly by your family. You were a brave man, Marine, and fire fighter. I am proud to have called you a cousin and brother in arms. Rest well.
Lt Col Christopher C. Holland,
Proud Cousin
Debbie Luevano
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home with open arms. RIP
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
Alan Nierenberg
July 4, 2013
Oh Billy. I remember meeting you in Captain Greene's fire operations I class. I was honored to be your partner when we drilled. I remember throwing up after our first practical behind that car. Everyone was laughing at us. Not I, I knew that if I had a partner that gave as much as you did during drills, than in real life situations my back would always be covered. Thank you for the time we had together. Thank you for your service to our country. I am sorry that I couldn't have been there for and with you.
Scott MacLeod
July 4, 2013
Billy, you will always be a hero and your story will live on in our family forever. You serve as an inspiration for generations to come and for the entire nation. We love you dearly and will miss you always.
Marcia Phillips
July 4, 2013
Billy, you will be forever remembered and forever missed,
you are truly a hero. we will always have a empty place in our lives, I cant express in words the way we will always miss you'
Aunt Marcia & uncle Bill
keeping you in our thoughts and hearts for ever
George Hilbish
July 4, 2013
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment 504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace, Marine. Semper Fi!
Uncle Steve
July 4, 2013
So proud of you Billy. So sad to lose you.
susan cowell
July 4, 2013
Prayers to the family! To have had this special Brave young man in your lives must make you feel so fortunate. I can not say enough about these firefighters put there lives on the line to save others. Cherish those special memories you shared with him and special thoughts go out to the little baby that will know her Dad in her heart for years to come
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with your family
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
Deepest condolences to the Warneke family. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services
July 3, 2013
god bless to your family thank-you for all you did. your and hero and a vet now your an angel to all. R.I.P.
Always in our hearts!
July 3, 2013
Danny & Joyce Snide
July 3, 2013
July 3, 2013
Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
My deepest condolonces to the Warneke Family. May God bless each of you and give you comfort during this time. A true Hero!
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
July 3, 2013
God Bless the family of this young hero...Him and his fellow HOTSHOTS will never be forgotten.....
Mary
July 3, 2013
Thank you for sharing your brave husband and son with us. I know many people that knew him growing up in Hemet. All said what a nice guy he was. Our hearts are broken for yours and our loss.
Darlene
July 3, 2013
Thank you for your service and bravery. RIP young man.
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God bless the Warneke family and friends during this difficult time. Billy is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did for a living. May God bless Billy!
July 3, 2013
rest in peace semper fi marine. joe tennihan usmc.2marines 2 battalion
L Scott
July 2, 2013
May your son rest in peace. Semper Fi
MSgt Scott USMC Retired
Robyn
July 2, 2013
Thank you for sharing your son with us and I pray you find peace in this tragic time and that you allow the strong to carry you for now.
EDGAR & NELL BROWN
July 2, 2013
TO THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM OUR PRAYERS AD DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND WILLIAMS LOVE ONES. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU CLOSE.
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. William was a hero, and will never be forgotten.
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless your family.
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
David Norman
July 2, 2013
I'm so so so sorry.
Michelle M
July 2, 2013
I am a mother of a 25 year old, this especially makes it very hard to understand any of this, I am so sorry for your loss. Believe me when I say, my family is praying for you, your son, family and friends. We lost a fireman 4 years ago, it was devasting, I couldn't breathe. They say time helps, and maybe it does because I can now breathe and the tears only come when I am in private times rather than in the public environment. Please know, we thank William for his sacrifice to help others, he won't be forgotten.
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.
Jody K
July 2, 2013
Roxanne, I am so very sorry that your family is going through this great loss with the passing of Billy. Please know that your unborn child, yourself, family and Billy's friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
Lanna Fridrich
July 2, 2013
From another 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines family we send our deepest sympathy. You are a true hero that serviced your country here and abroad. Guard the gates of heaven for us till we all get there.
July 2, 2013
Gods' Blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
Nancy & Norm Sandoz
July 2, 2013
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to William's family. May his child grow up knowing what a hero William was in so many ways. Master Sgt Brackins described the character of this fine young man and the solid foundation he had.
The O'Coy
July 2, 2013
We send our love and deepest Sympathies. This a very, very difficult time for all of you. Will keep you all on our prayers and thoughts. Billy will never be forgotten. He is a HEROE!
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your little one someday take comfort in knowing that their father was a true hero.
Tony S.
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of my Marine brothers. I have the same French Fortege' that is issued by the Fifth Marines. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Warneke's and all of the families of these brave young men! SEMPER FI my brothers!
Tom Flowers
July 2, 2013
Job well done, William! Semper Fi!
Charlotte
July 2, 2013
My heart breaks for Billy Warneke's family. I pray that God comforts them with an everlasting peace and love.
Scott Chamberland
July 2, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
simon gotley
July 2, 2013
I will think you you going through this hard time, I have been to Arizona one and know he was protecting one of the most beutiful places in the world. may he rest in peace
robert
July 2, 2013
my heart is broken. god bless him, you, roxanne, and your little one.
Maria Brown
July 2, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
July 2, 2013
Thank you Mr. Fireman, Jan-Tempe, Az
Kathy
July 1, 2013
Even though I never had the honor of meeting you, you were a hero in my eyes. I have always prayed for you and the other fire fighters everyday. Thank you for all you did. May God bless you & may He bring comfort to your family & friends. Rest in peace, Billy.
Kim
July 1, 2013
God speed. So sorry for your loss.
July 1, 2013
Never met you Billy..But I will be here to help your family
Patricia Johnson
July 1, 2013
I didn't know Billy, but I know his mom. Through her, I know we lost an amazing man- son, brother, husband, uncle, and soon-to-be-Dad. My love, thoughts and prayers go out to everyone hurt by this tragedy...
Dawn Stacey
July 1, 2013
Continue your watch from above :'(
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