William S. Welzenbach

1933 - 2024

William S Welzenbach

August 18, 1933 - May 17, 2024

Fresno, California - Bill was born in the height of the great depression to Iola (Stewart) and William A Welzenbach in Wolf Point Montana. In 1933 his parents had hitched a ride on a freight train from the cotton fields of California to the wheat county of Montana, where they joined Bills' Uncle on their Montana farm. Bill was the oldest of six children. He was the best big brother of his six brothers and sisters. Two of his brothers, Charles and Tony preceded him in death along with his ½ sisters Elaine, Evelyn, Jean and his ½ brother, Lloyd. He is survived by his sisters, Elisebeth, Mary, and Andrea and many nieces and nephews. During high school, he enjoyed his job working at Gillette Pharmacy Drug store in Wolf Point. Bill graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1951. Shortly after graduation he worked in the oil fields in Oklahoma before moving and settling in California.

Bill made his life with Bob Cotter in Fresno where they had 30 years of happiness together. Bill worked at Sears. He also taught generations of us to love gardening and was a widely renowned rose expert at Gazebo Gardens. He participated in countless projects, classes and fairs over a very long career.

Bill taught us to care for each other and for our community, freely and without conditions.

A memorial for Bill will be held at Gazebo Gardens on Sunday, June 2nd at 10:00am. It will be open to all, just as Bill would want.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hinds Hospice.