William G. Sternhagen

Helena Attorney, William G. Sternhagen, 86, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Mont. He battled cancer for 15 years and endured a stroke four years ago.

He was born on July 11, 1929, in Havre, Mont., three months before the Great Depression and grew up in Glasgow. He was one of nine children and learned in the early days how to work hard to support his family and contribute in a positive way to his community.

He raised his family in Helena, practicing law and leading and participating in several organizations in the community. He was a loving and giving man, husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend; a true example of a member of The Greatest Generation. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and did whatever it took to ensure his kids had the opportunity to succeed.

As Lt. Sternhagen, "Wild Bill" served in the U.S. Air Force and flew F-86 Sabre Jets in the Korean War with 52 combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was known for his bravery and fighting spirit. He loved to fly jets and was a great pilot and warrior. He was proud of his service and a true patriot, often wishing he had stayed in the Air Force. After his combat tour, he was an instructor and then left the Air Force, attending Carroll College and the University of Montana Law School.

In 1958, he married Joyce M. Morgan of Helena, a Carroll graduate and nurse. He practiced law for a short time in Glasgow before returning to Helena to be an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Montana. After his service to the State, he joined private practice in Helena and was a distinguished and respected attorney, practicing law for over 50 years. As an attorney, he prided himself on being able to help people with their problems and took personal and professional responsibility to do his very best to help others.

He was a devout Catholic, from being an altar boy at a very young age, to lecturing at Sunday Mass at St Mary's. He attended daily Mass for most of his life. He also led and participated in numerous church and community organizations including the Montana Cancer Society, Kiwanis Club, Ducks Unlimited, the Helena Trap Club and many others.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his family, relatives and friends and was an avid outdoorsman. He most loved hunting geese, elk and fishing. He was a Life Scout and always regretted not making Eagle and lived the Scout Oath and Law every day of his life.

An accomplished athlete and competitor, he was a six-sport athlete in high school and played football for Carroll College under the legendary John Gillardi. Known as a "60-minute man," he never left the field, playing the full game on both sides of the ball as halfback, safety and special teams. "Wild Bill" loved to carry the ball and to tackle. Known at Carroll and across the conference as one of the "fastest and toughest ever," he was inducted into the Carroll Hall of Fame and was twice named 1st Team All-Conference Halfback.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; and children, Bill, Ann, Joe and Maggie; one sister, Rita; and numerous grandchildren and relatives.

A graveside service with full military honors was held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit http://www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.