Obituary of William J. Strain
William J. Strain (95) longtime resident of Fernwood, ID and recently of St. Maries, passed away on April 30, 2023, with family by his side. He was born to Merril and Edith (Tronness) on January 2, 1928, in Nevada City, CA. At an early age, he moved with his family to the state of Idaho.
In 1944 Bill moved to Fernwood, ID with his parents. He attended St. Maries High School and graduated with the class of 1946. Following high school, Bill went to work in the woods for Anderson-Vance Lumber Co. On February 21, 1953, Bill married Greta Powell and they made their home in Fernwood. In 1966 Bill went to work for L.D. McFarland Pole Company. He worked as a Supervisor at the Peeling Plant in Bovill, ID. Bill retired at the age of 62 in 1992 and sadly Greta passed away in 1999. Around 2001, Bill was blessed to find companionship with his special friend Francie Walters.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed reading and was a member of the AARP. Bill never missed his grandchildren’s games, and you could find him cheering proudly on the sidelines.
Bill is survived by his daughters Julia Wolfe of Phoenix, AZ and Pat Bernard of Libby, MT. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren including Jim Nelson of St. Maries, 9 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenny Strain, wife Greta Strain, companion Francie Walters, daughter Carol Munden, and granddaughter Amy Nelson.
At Bill’s request, there will be no services held. His final resting place will be with his wife Greta at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries.
