Fourth Generation

77. William John "Bill" MUEHLENKAMP was born on 7 March 1942 in Oakdale Township, Monroe County, WI. He died on 16 July 2010 at the age of 68 in Anchorage, Anchorage Municipality, AK.

Obituary Notes: "William (Bill) John Muehlenkamp, 68, of Fairbanks, Alaska, and formerly of Camp Douglas, passed away on July 16, 2010 at the Alaskan Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, after a short illness.

Bill was born at home, in the Town of Oakdale, to Carl and Genevieve (Berendes) Muehlenkamp on March 7, 1942. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1960 and after working a short time in Milwaukee, he moved to Alaska in 1961; Homer being his first destination. He eventually settled in Fairbanks where he lived the remainder of his life to the fullest.

Bill experienced many things in Alaska, that many of us only read about, with much enthusiasm and vigor. In the winters he worked for GSI for many years, exploring for oil on the north slope and on seismic boats. In the summers he worked for Alaska Fish and Game on Kodiak Island, Afognak Island and others, with the moose, caribou, elk and deer. In his later years, Bill expedited supplies for the native villages in the summer months and helped set up experimental camps and expedited supplies for these camps for the winter months.

Bill came "home" once a year to see his mom and other family members with many stories of his life experiences and his love for life, which he will be remembered for. He had a great love of nature and the outdoors and looked forward to his fall hunting trips with close friends. Bill loved his horses that he cared for, and they went with him on hunting trips for both riding and packing. He was a very devoted Christian, wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be very sadly missed by all those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife Maria, of Fairbanks, Alaska; one son, Cary (Karen) of Newport, N.C.; two daughters, Shelley (Dennis) Lange of Riverside, Calif., and Philene (Cory) Rassmussen of Fairbanks; three stepsons, Paul (Diane) Leon, Washington.D.C., Fritz (Karen) Leon,Calif., and Mark Leon, Fairbanks; fifteen grandchildren; his mother Genevieve, of Tomah; three brothers, David (Betty) of Oakdale, John (Jean) of Camp Douglas, Charles (Sue) of Puyallup, Wash.; three sisters, Charlotte Muha of Greenfield, Linda (Ron) Schultz of LaHabra, Calif., Eunice Daily, Hartford; sister-in-law Yvette of Camp Douglas; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Carl; brother Paul; sister Darlene Quist; and brother-in-law Korwin Quist.

'Enjoy life to the fullest each and every day, and above all, be sincere, honest and thankful for what God has given you.' "

William John "Bill" MUEHLENKAMP and Maria UNKNOWN (MUEHLENKAMP) were married. Maria UNKNOWN (MUEHLENKAMP) was born (date unknown).