Mr. Billie Gene "Bill" Ferko passed away at his residence late Wednesday evening, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on March 18, 1940, in Butte, the son of Joseph "Cupie" and Mary Montana "Monty" (Coughlin) Ferko.

Bill was educated in local schools and attended St. Joseph's Parochial School. He began working for the ACM (Anaconda Mining Company) as an underground miner. He later worked as a Shovel Operator at the Berkeley Pit. During Miner's Union Day at the Columbia Garden, Bill enjoyed competing as part of the company's first aid team. He later worked as an Engineer for the Butte School District, from where he retired.

In 1961, Bill married Judy Dempsey. They were blessed with three children; Bill, Julie, and Jacqueline. They later separated, but remained cordial friends. On June 20, 1977, he married Jeanne Stratton in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives him.

Bill was an avid softball player, as well as, an accomplished golfer and bowler. Bill also enjoyed many happy hours motorcycling and fishing with his family. Many will remember him spending time watering his lawn and waving to everyone that passed his house.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Chris Martin and Jack Ferko; sisters, Peggy Smith, Mary Haining, and Bertha "Birdie" Trudeau; nephews, Timothy and Joseph Ferko; and brother-in-law, Carl Haining. In addition to his wife, Jeannie, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William and Alana Ferko; daughters, Julie Giacomini (Mike), and Jackie; and son-in-law, Rick Rawson; and his grandchildren, Brenna Ferko, Mack Ferko, Joshua Rawson, Kristine (Rawson) McLaughlin, Cody Rawson, Brian Giacomini, and Hailey Giacomini. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Cloey, Kenny, Paige, and Matthew; his brothers, David and Joseph Ferko; sister-in-law, Maggie Ferko; nieces and nephews, Chris, Kevin, Mark and Leo Martin, Nancy Flannery, Patty Gunderson, Chuck Smith, Greg and Mike Ferko, Kim Corbett, Dan Haining, Deanne Hilton, Tami Bell, DeeDee Thurman, David Ferko, Keil Ferko, and Charmaine Trudeau, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Friends are asked to join the family on Monday after 12:00 PM (noon) in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM. Rite of Committal will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.