William John Allen
1933 - 2011
Heaven became a brighter place on Monday, Feb. 28.
William "Bill" John Allen passed away at St. James Hospital in Butte, surrounded by family and friends.
Bill was born in Butte on Nov. 4, 1933. He was the son of William R. and Alice Allen.
His family worked as miners in the Bannack/Bon Acord area. He attended grade school and his freshman year of high school in Butte. He later moved to Dillon his sophomore year and finished his high school career as a stellar athlete. He participated in football, basketball, and track.
In 1952, Bill attended Western Montana College and played football for one year. He joined the Marines and served in the Korean War until 1956.
During his military career Bill played fullback for the Marine football team in Japan. In 1956, the Los Angeles Rams recruited and offered him a contract to play professional football. The contract was in the amount of $7,400. He was told he would be the starting fullback as a rookie. He decided against playing professional ball after speaking with veteran players.
He returned to Dillon and started working as an automobile body man for Gleed Motors. He later worked for E&H Motors, Elliott Ford Sales, and sold cars for College Motors.
Bill and his partner, Tink Krause, owned and operated the Dillon Body Shop until his retirement in 1995.
Upon his return to Dillon, he married Donna Krause on Sept. 16, 1956. They were blessed with three children, Bill, Debbie and Dawn.
He was an avid outdoorsman, and hiked into most of the mountain lakes in Beaverhead County. He enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, water skiing, hunting, fishing, bowling and golf. Bill's sense of humor and incredible wit was enjoyed by all. He always lived by the motto of work hard and play harder.
Bill is survived by his children, Bill Allen, Jr. (Corinne Welborn), Debbie (Rick) Low, and Dawn Eisenzimer.
His grandkids were one of life's greatest gifts. He was proud of each and every one of their accomplishments. His grandchildren include Heather (Johnny) Myers, Nicole Bradley, Stephen Resset, Adrienne (Chris) Kenison, Jeffrey Allen, Brittany and Corey Eisenzimer. His great-grandchildren include Aiden, Gwen, Vanessa, Addy and Braylen.
He is also survived by his companion and friend of ten years, Phyllis Robinson.
A visitation viewing was held on Friday, March 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a time for sharing stories at 7 p.m. at Brundage Funeral Home.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Lutheran Church in Dillon, and a pot luck reception followed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Beaverhead County High School for a Bill Allen football scholarship, to BCHS, c/o Evelyn Mull, 104 North Pacific Street, Dillon, MT., 59725.
A Guest Book is available online at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Timothy Patrick Erb
1963 - 2011
Tim Erb, 48, a loving son, brother, uncle and friend died on March 5.
Tim was the son of Betty Zink of Dillon, and Richard Erb of Battleground, Wash.
He is survived by his loving wife Laura Erb.
Tim was a very talented electrician working the Washington Corp in Canada, Montana and Washington.
Tim was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends. He is missed by his dogs Doc Watson and Chance.
His love of the outdoors will live in our hearts and memories. He will be greatly missed.
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