William George "Bill" Stroecker

We live next door to Bill's cabin in Eagle and we always made sure to have the road clear around Memorial Day because he would come lickety-split down the road... sometimes at 1:00 in the morning. We will miss his horn playing on Memorial Day. What a guy! He had a great run and we were glad to share even a small part of it.

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done,
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and summer days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.

The Dennis Family - and how we will remember Bill

Bill was such an honorable man. Our family had the pleasure of meeting him in 1998 after we had purchased a piece of property in Sherwood Forest to build a new home. Being a midwest farmer's daughter, I was aware of the benefits of "Water Witching" to find excellent water so Bill came to the property, "witched" it, and lo and behold we ended up with one of only a few artesian wells in the Fairbanks area. He was such a humble man, and had great stories to tell. We are sorry for your loss.

Honesty, frugality and industry are all traits that you exemplified for those of us who knew you. You will be deeply missed in Eagle (your best kept secret.) Eagle always cherished your annual playing of taps at the memorial celebration. Your kindness to us all and our visits with you will be missed. You were a true Alaskan. Charlie, Marlys and Elva House

Bill was a great man, he will be missed in the Fairbanks area for all the wonderful things he had done, we knew him through banking and working the dogs at field trials. Tarnowski's & Dimon's

Rest in Peace Uncle Bill, I will never forget many Christmas Eves as a child with all of us at your home. Say hi to Grandpa Buster and Dad.

Bill visited in Wiseman for a few days back in the sixties. After he left, on the next mail plane was a package of large color prints of my family. He was a true gentleman of the north. He will be truly missed.

We are bound to meet again as we did every Fall - up the Livengood road -Grouse hunting - odd we never traveled together but travel the same route, the early guy always got the gravel hunting grouse in the early A.M. hours this of course was in the late fiftys early sixties, our lives seperated as the City grew but never forgot the one A.M. when we saw the UofA students were wrangling Spruce Hens with fly rods out the windows of their vehilce- a guy could not make up this stuff, A;;

May you rest in peace. Mary Hayes, Kent, WA

Life will never be the same without Bill, but our lives will be richer for having known him.

My dad, Al Hartz, did some work for Bill and always spoke highly of him. Said he was a great storyteller! Please accept my condolences. - Jill Hartz Murphy

Bill, you taught me a lot about how to live life enjoyably. I will always think of you as I run the rivers with my wooden boat that was inspired partly by your own boat design. Rest in peace.

So long Bill it was a pleasure to have known you.
Cy Hetherington Manley Hot Springs

Rick Wagner, I remember your step father very well and extend my sympathy to you and all the family.