William C. Meng

William C. (Bill) Meng of Missoula went into the arms of the Lord Sunday April 28th, 2013 after 91 wonderful years of life. Bill spent his first two days ever of hospitalization prior to hospice following a stroke. Dad was a second generation of German immigrants which immigrated to the US and settled in Illinois in the 1850's. His mother arrived in Illinois in the 1890's in a covered wagon from the backwoods of Kentucky; genealogy and countries of origin unknown. Bill's childhood was firmly impacted by the Great Depression affecting his lifetime attitudes of restraint in finances and risk. (Need little, spend little). His father extended credit from the family grocery business to many needy families during this time knowing full well he would never be repaid. These attributes formed the foundation of the attitudes of many who would be known as the "Greatest Generation". Driving a vehicle was a bit less restrictive during Bill's childhood as stories were told about how he drove to town in the Model A Ford and the car appeared to have no driver as he could not see over the steering wheel or barely reach the pedals. World War II awaited shortly after high school and Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps and left his high school sweetheart, Mary, to stay behind. Bill's training unit of 30 recruits were training as radio operators for the C47 Air Transport Command designated to fly the "Hump" when he and one other lucky person were sent to radio mechanics school a few days before deployment. Most of the remaining trainees were killed in action flying over the Himalaya's . Bill was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific theater where he serviced the radios of many planes involved in combat. At one time Bill set the radio frequencies on the plane of General Douglas MacArthur. Dad returned from the war and made the most profound and wise decision of his life, marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary, a union that lasted nearly 68 years. If only society could glean a few lessons from this type of commitment. Bill was a rural letter carrier in the Illinois town of Greenfield for 30 years. Community service was a given which included the school board, scoutmaster, Masonic lodge, and many church committees to name a few. Sharing his tenor voice with the church choir was a noteworthy talent. Bill and Mary relocated to Missoula a few years after retirement to be able to immerse in grandchildren's activities. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, son Kent (Loretta) of Rice Lake, WI, grandchildren Joe (Minde) Meng, great grandson Fletcher of Missoula; Kristi (Tyler) Carlson, Milwaukee, WI; son, Vince (Sue) of Missoula, grandchildren Graham, Gharett, and Jace. Bill's proudest achievement was seeing children and grandchildren attend and complete college and beyond; an achievement none in his family had ever accomplished. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the First United Methodist Church or the Community Hospital Foundation. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church 300 E. Main St. Missoula. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com