William Wilke

William "Bill" Wilkie age 73, passed away December 17, 2012 at his daughters home in Gillette, Wyoming following an extended illness. Memorial services will be held at a later date.William Wilkie was born May 25, 1939 to William and Pauline (Allard) Wilkie in Belcourt, North Dakota. Bill was a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. He attended school in Belcourt, North Dakota and worked for a construction company where he became interested in welding. Following high school he moved to California and attended welding school. He became a skilled welder and in the early 1960's he worked on the Apollo Rocket Engines at Edwards Air Force Base. He then worked as a contract welder for Rio Tinto Borax Mine in Boron, CA. Bill spent the rest of his life working construction and operating his own welding company, moving all over the state of California before he settled in Trona, CA where he worked for Searles Lake Minerals until he retired.As his health failed, Virginia his companion having her own health problems was no longer able to care for him and he moved to Gillette, WY to live with his daughter. Bill is survived by his long time love and companion Virginia Johnson of California; daughter, Jodie Wilkie of Gillette, WY; granddaughter, Jenn Johnson; grandson, Billy Tornow; four great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephew and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William "Billy" Wilkie; brothers, Russell and Lawrence Wilkie; sisters, Mary Belgarde, Bertha Bruce and Leona Lebeau.Memorials and condolences may be sent in Bill's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website www.walkerfuneralhome.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716