Billy Keith Whisenand

Billy Keith Whisenand obituary, Rio Rancho, NM

Billy Keith Whisenand

Billy Whisenand Obituary

Visit the French Funerals & Cremations - Rio Rancho website to view the full obituary.

Billy (Bill) Keith Whisenand, age 95, of Albuquerque, NM, died on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born on March 13, 1930, near Springfield, CO. Bill was the son of Isaac and Daisy (McCain) Whisenand. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1947 and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951 where he had a 22-year career as an aviation inspector serving in the Korean and Vietnam theaters. His service took him to Vietnam, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy and England before retiring from Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM.

Bill married Helen Harrison in 1959 and they made their home in Albuquerque since 1977. Helen passed away in 2005. During his time in Albuquerque, Bill had a career in real estate and was active in local veteran organizations. In his later years he enjoyed visiting his family and friends in Iowa for mushroom hunting and fishing. He also tried pressing his luck at the various casinos along the way. 

Bill is survived by his siblings, Gerald Whisenand of Rockford IL; Phyllis Phillips of Montezuma, IA: and Linda (Jim) Hotchkin of Grinnell, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his wife, parents and son, Thomas Whisenand, as well as siblings Donald Whisenand, Isaac Whisenand, Lois Ogan, and Paul Whisenand. In-laws proceeding him in death include June Whisenand, Sylvia Whisenand, Ralph Ogan, Jr.; Merlene Whisenand and Duane Phillips. 

Services with military honors will be held in Iowa at a later date with burial in the Ewart Cemetery, Ewart, IA.

Online condolences may be left below. Memorial contributions may be made to a veteran organization of your choice.

French Funerals & Cremations - Rio Rancho

1275 Unser Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Make a Donation
in Billy Whisenand's name

How to support Billy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Billy Whisenand's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more