Bill Kuney, a man whose life was defined by adventure, hard work, family, and unforgettable stories, passed away leaving behind a legacy as rich and enduring as the Montana landscapes he loved. Born on September 7, 1933, in his grandparents’ log cabin on Sweeney Creek near Florence, Montana, Bill entered the world surrounded by the strength of family and the rugged beauty of ranch life that would shape him forever.
Raised on the family ranch with his sister Betty, Bill learned the value of hard work early—carrying wood, milking cows, cleaning stalls, and helping with horses long before he was tall enough to carry more than one stick of firewood at a time. Ranch life was demanding, but it built the resilience, humor, and determination that would guide him through every chapter of his life.
In 1955, Bill proudly served in the United States Army, beginning with basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado. Like many of his stories, his military service came with both challenge and humor—from forced marches and powdered green eggs to guided missile training and lessons in perseverance.
After his service, Bill began his professional career with the Montana State Examiner’s Office, where his sharp mind and strong sense of integrity quickly stood out. His work often took him across the state, uncovering financial irregularities and handling difficult investigations, including solving a major embezzlement case that would alter the course of his career.
In 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Lorna Babcock, in an intimate ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Helena. Along with Lorna came her daughter, Lee Ann, whom Bill loved as his own. Their family grew with the births of sons Tim and Ralph, and together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and often a little chaos.
Bill’s career shifted into hospitality when he became manager of the Colonial Supper Club and later helped build and operate the Colonial Inn and Conference Center in Helena. Alongside Lorna, he also managed the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell before returning to Helena to become co-owner of the Colonial Inn. His years in hotel management were filled with hard work, colorful stories, and lifelong friendships.
Outside of business, Bill found joy at the Oxbow Ranch, where family gatherings, boating on Holter Lake, fireworks displays, and endless adventures created some of his most treasured memories. Later, he combined his love of Montana’s landscapes with work as a location manager for the Montana Film Office, helping bring film productions to life across the state.
Bill was known for his sharp wit, practical nature, unforgettable storytelling, and his ability to find both humor and lessons in life’s mishaps—from runaway children and antique cameras to fireplaces that smoked and honeymoon misadventures. He believed family stories were the true roots of a family tree, far more meaningful than dates on paper.
Above all else, Bill considered his greatest blessing to be his close family and friends. He and Lorna built a life filled with love, adventure, and deep family bonds that continue through their children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
Bill lived a full and eventful life—one of hard work, loyalty, courage, and laughter. His stories will continue to be told, his lessons remembered, and his presence deeply missed. His was truly a life of adventures.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Harold Kuney. He is survived by his wife Lorna, daughter Lee Ann Ruud (Monte), sons Tim Kuney (Tina), Ralph Kuney, sister Betty Hendrickson, grandchildren Kate, Liz, Jon, Jack, Anna and Lily and great grandchildren Jaina and Clint.
Visitation hours will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena. A funeral service in celebration of Bill’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at funeral home. a reception will follow the funeral service in the social center of the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at Forestvale Cemetery in the Helena Valley.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 28, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 28, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Share
Doris Romanisko says
My sincere condolences, Lorna and family. Bill was an kind and energetic guy.
StoneCarlsons says
StoneCarlson’s
Lorna we are thinking of you. As former Red Cross volunteer team leaders & friends under your past fine leadership, we share our sympathies & pray your endurance in days ahead knowing you treasure abundant memories of your loved one.
Imagine Bill on a whole brand new adventure with more stories for you some day when you reach the great beyond!
Blessings to all.
Carol & Carl
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
We have wonderful memories of Bill as a very kind, humble man who genuinely cared about everyone he encountered. Our sincere sympathy to the entire Kuney family at this difficult time, please know we’re thinking of you all, you’re in our hearts and prayers.
Bill Coddington says
Dear Lorna Judy and I are so sorry to read of Bills passing. He was a very good person and a great partner for you.
Carmen Williams says
I had the great honor of working with sweet Bill at the Office of Tourism, for many years. So many wonderful memories of Bill and his happy smile. We shared laughs, stories, Governor’s Conferences, good friendship and sometimes we even were allowed to assist him in making “panoramic” pictures from his miles of Montana photos.
Bill was truly a Montana Treasure and I’m happy to have known him.
Audrey and Tim Kelly says
Kuney family,
Bill was an amazing man and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. We have many fond memories of spending time with him and all of you at the Property. His kindness and generosity will be truly missed. Love and hugs to all of you.
George PENDERGAST says
Rest in peace, Bill!
Marchita Mays says
I too had the pleasure of working with Bill at the Montana Office of Tourism. Bill was one of the highlights of my time there. I truly enjoyed his stories and friendship, and his warm personality. Heaven is gaining a true gift and a true Montanan. My condolences to the Kuney family, may you find comfort in the enduring memories of this special man.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I am so sorry Lorna & family. He was a very handsome and engaging man..I’ve known him for a long time but hadn’t seen him in years.
In the silence of my heart, I will lift you up in prayer.
Mary Kay Bennett
William G Fitzpatrick says
Seems life another lifetime since l worked under Bill. He was a good man. May God always be with him. Hello Lorna, sorry for your loss.
Bob silberling says
Truly a kind man who treasured his family. So sorry for your loss.