William (Bill) Jonart

The good Lord extended his hand to Bill and said, "You've had enough," and ended his year long battle with several debilitating illnesses.

Bill was a proud Vietnam era veteran who served his country courageously and was awarded the Bronze Star and The Air Medal for his service.  Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July were special memorials that had deep meaning for Bill and he celebrated them with the honor and respect duly afforded those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Prior to enlistment, Bill attended Madison and St. Joseph Elementary schools,  graduated from Butte Central in 1967, and attended Mt. Tech.  Following his discharge, Bill married Shelley Vernos and from this union came a beloved son and daughter, Ryan and Cari Jonart. Bill and Shelley later divorced but remained friends.

On December 19, 1981 Bill married Judy Garlish and soon after Chad and Lyndsi joined the family and the adventures continued as the kids were always the center of their life. The Jonart home was definitely the hub; Bill was a fantastic host and cook; he always had a smile and a greeting.  For the past 40 years, Judy and Bill were inseparable; they were the true meaning of a couple.

Bill's affable and friendly nature served him well in his profession first as an electrician for the Anaconda Company and then as a salesman, loan officer and manager for the Ford Motor Company.  He made many long-time friends and kept in close touch after his retirement. Bill was like that. He had many high school buddies that remained his loyal friends right up to his passing.

And Bill was Papa. Oh, how he loved them all!!  As toddlers, nobody could soothe them as Bill could; they always went to their Papa.

In addition to his 7 grandchildren:  Riley Jonart, Madison Jonart, Gracie Jonart, Jaxon Jonart, Finn Jonart, Blake and Bo Bourne; Bill is survived by his loving wife Judy, his children Cari Jonart, Ryan (Leesla) Jonart, Chad Jonart and Lyndsi (Quincy) Bourne. Sibling Tom Jonart (Jackie), the patriarch of the family; his beloved Uncle Gene (Charlene) Jonart, brothers-in-law Bill Garlish and Dick (Cherie) Garlish. Additionally, he is survived by nephews Justin (Alynn) Jonart, Dwayne Taylor (Erin),  Richard (Betsy) Garlish and his very special niece Staci (Paul) Kondelis, He will forever be their "Uncle B".

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Dorothy Jonart and brother Jim Jonart.

Friends and Family may begin calling at Duggan Dolan at 1805 Meadowlark beginning at 10:00 A.M. Dec. 8th with services at 11:00 followed by a luncheon at the Butte Country Club.   In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Butte Education Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.