William (Bill) Efinger 82, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at his home in Helena, Montana, surrounded by his wife of 62 years and their three children.
Bill was born on March 4, 1943, in Madison, Wisconsin. He later made his home in Rapid City, South Dakota, and received his degree from University of South Dakota. He met Beverly Lone, on a blind date, in 1962, and she became his bride in 1963. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage and raised three wonderful children (Rob, Niki, and Kelly), and began building a life centered on love, fun, faith, and family.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, and provider. He worked throughout his life, beginning on the management team with Sears Roebuck, then with Farah clothing, and later promoting Wrangler Sales in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, North and South Dakota. In his 28 years, Bill pioneered and introduced the Wrangler brand to these regions. He was known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and genuine care for people.
In 1977, Bill and Bev moved their family to Polson, Montana. Flathead Lake offered so many things for Bill (and family). He delighted in taking his sailboat out for sunset sails, going fishing, or just pulling his kids (and family/ friends) behind his ski boat. Bill loved watching his kids grow up in such a beautiful vacation destination and noted his time at Flathead Lake as some of the best moments. The family continued taking annual trips to Flathead every summer after they moved to Helena. This was always a highlight of the year for the whole family.
His spiritual journey began with a Cursillo in Laurel Montana in 1975 where he met Jesus. From that day forward, life began to transform. Bill had a deep love for God’s Word and studied the Bible faithfully. His daily journals are a treasured legacy for his family. After retiring at age 55, he felt called to international missions. He and Bev traveled to Kona Hawaii YWAM (Youth with a Mission) for training. God changed their lives through reaching out to people throughout the world in the name of Jesus. Bill was a much-loved leader on many outreaches and schools. Fun facts Bill smuggled bibles into China, he went with a prayer team into North Korea, he was asked to eat sheep head in Kyrgyzstan and saw a blind man receive his sight after prayer in Fiji.
Bill loved the outdoors and found great joy hunting and fishing in Montana’s beautiful landscapes. He had a special relationship with his son, Rob and had many adventures in the outdoors together. He also shared this joy with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a lifelong passion for golf, which he enjoyed with friends in later years in Arizona. His family was his greatest treasure, and he dedicated his life to caring for and supporting them.
Known for his great sense of humor, Bill had a way of making everyone feel special and valued. “I think you are AWESOME!” is how he greeted and left every grandchild. His laughter, warmth, and gentle spirit is remembered by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to God and family.
Bill is survived by his wife Bev of almost 63 years, son Robert, daughters Niki Amo and Kelly Fischer (Matthew), ten grandchildren (Jessa Larson, Karlie Efinger, Zach Amo, Ryann Efinger, Hannah Barnes, Jacob Amo, Grace Fischer, Sarah Fischer, Gabe Fischer, and Ellie Fischer), five great grandchildren (Taysom, Emyrson, and Slade Larson, River Amo, and Archer Amo.) His brother Don Efinger (Marilyn), Sister Susan Martin (Bill), his brother-in-law Roger Lone (Patt), and several loved nieces and nephews. As well as friends here and around the world that were like family.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Don and Nancy Efinger, his in-laws Orville and Margie Lone, brother-in-law Jeffery Lone, son-in-law Kenneth Amo.
Bill’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, service, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing he is now home with his Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 1, 2026, at 1:00, Echo Church (2210 Dodge Ave.) in Helena Montana, followed by desserts and a time to share stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to the school building project for village children at YWAM Togo in honor of Bill. A check can be mailed to the University of the Nations, Kona to the address below. Include on a separate note: “In Memory of Bill Efinger; for YWAM Togo. University of the Nations Kona, 75-5851 Kuakini HWY. #256 Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i 96740
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 1, 2026
Echo Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Social Gathering
Following the service
Friday May 1, 2026
Echo Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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John & Cherie Dahl says
We are so sad Bev and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. Lots of memories with you two 😢🙏💝
Kelly Stickel says
Such a beautiful life, well loved and lived. I have so many amazing memories with The Efinger Family. Bill was an amazing Dad. Sending prayers to the family. ❤️
Pat Ross says
Bev, I am so sad to learn of Bill’s passing. The loss of a spouse is huge. Prayers for you and the entire family. See you in May. Hugs!
Gayle Siemers says
Bev and family, Bill and all of you are in my houghts and prayers. I’m sorry that I can’t be present in person but know I’m there in Spirit. I’m actually working a work and clean up camp at our church camp in Idaho. I have been blessed to meet and walk with all of you on this journey and I know we will all be together soon. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways.
De Colores, Gayle