William Robert “Bill” Lane, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on January 30, 2025.
Bill was born in Bozeman, Montana on March 26, 1940 to Alvin “Bud” and Christina (Rohla) Lane.
Bill grew up on the Sam Lane Ranch in Willow Creek, Montana. He attended Willow Creek Elementary, graduated from Three Forks High School, attended the Butte School of Mines and Carroll College.
He spent his younger years working at his parents’ GMC dealership in Three Forks, and then again for Bud Lane and Sons Construction. Bill was an understated but immensely talented businessman, mechanic, welder/fabricator, and heavy equipment operator. He started Wm. R. Lane Construction in the late 1980’s, which has since become one of the premier custom concrete forming businesses in southwestern Montana.
Bill was inquisitive and imaginative. He had numerous hobbies and interests, from beekeeping to building and racing cars. Additionally, he had a passion for the outdoors and couldn’t wait for hunting season or the opportunity to go fishing.
Bill married Joyce Johnson in 1964 and were happily married until her untimely passing. He remarried to Marilyn Whitman in 1999.
Bill was a man of great character, integrity, generosity, and was a patient teacher of wisdom. He was larger than life itself. Words cannot convey the depth of what a wonderful man he was. Bill cherished his family and the people in his life.
He is preceeded in death by his parents Alvin “Bud” and Christina Lane, wife Joyce, and brother Ronald Lane.
Bill is survived by his wife Marilyn Lane; brother Edward (Ana) Lane; daughters Nancy (Gary) Martin, Nicole (Steve) Ito; sons Jay (Jennifer) Lane, Jim (Christie) Lane; 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at 10am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S Walnut Street, Townsend, MT 59644. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am. Following the funeral mass, a reception will be held at the church. Burial will proceed after the reception to Willow Creek Cemetery, Willow Creek, MT.
In lieu of flowers, donations to an organization of your choice, Holy Cross Cemetery or Willow Creek Cemetery would be greatly appreciated in memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Willow Creek Cemetery
1850 Meridian Cemetery Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 am
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Willow Creek Cemetery
1850 Meridian Cemetery Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
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Monetta Smoot says
To Jay and Jen Lane as well as your immediate and extended family members. I learned so much about your Dad, Jay, in the beautifully written obituary. Although my contact with Bill was limited, I have always known and appreciated how accomplished he was, how dedicated he was to his work, his hobbies, and especially to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you remember him on Wednesday, February 5, and in the years to come. Love, Monetta
Dan and Flo Jenkins says
Bill always had a smile on his face. He was one of my best friends while growing up. We had many of the same interests. You couldn’t ask for a better friend than Bill was throughout our lives. He is greatly missed. I wished there was something I could have done for him.
Jack Weaver says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing! We were great buds all during high school and at the School of Mines where we both played basketball. One of my favorite memories was when coach called time out during a game when we’re leading Belgrade. Bill took the ball and shot from near half court and made the shot!!
RIP buddy!
Becky LaRoque says
Jay and family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Bill was a wonderful person and I will miss our visits so much.
God Bless you all.
Mark Bostrom says
Jay, Jen and immediate and extended family, my condolences for the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of elk hunting and the stories told at family holiday dinners. Seeing Bill run his stock car down at Belgrade reignited a passion for motorsports in me that still lingers. I never could convince him that Gordon was better than Dale Sr., and he was probably right in that regard. I’ll miss his ever-present smile as we talked. Peace be with you Bill.
Joan Nieting says
Sorry for your loss. Miss you.
Judy Rauser-Snellman says
My deepest sympathies to the family of Bill, a great guy and an awesome family, he will be missed by all who knew him
Dan and Twilla says
Lane Family: We were sure Sorry to hear of the passing of your father.We had many good years racing and becomming good friends with all of you. Our prayers are with you. “The Steber Family”💐
Frank & Shila Peters says
Bill taught me so much about the workings of a motor and operating every piece of sawmill equipment they had. Loaders pickers forklifts , trucks….Bill gave me trust in myself to learn as much as I could. He was an awesome boss at the mill. Luckily I got to visit a couple years ago with Bill at the Dodge dealer in Helena.R.I.P. Mr Lane🌹
Frank Peters says
Bill taught me so much about the workings of a motor and operating every piece of sawmill equipment they had. Loaders pickers forklifts , trucks….Bill gave me trust in myself to learn as much as I could. He was an awesome boss at the mill. Luckily I got to visit a couple years ago with Bill at the Dodge dealer in Helena.R.I.P. Mr Lane🌹