William J. (Bill) Wallace

Published 9:25 am Thursday, April 19, 2018

June 5, 1942 – April 15, 2018

On the 15th of April, William John (Bill) Wallace lost a year-long fight with pancreatic cancer, passing from “this life to more life.” Bill was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, and settled in Bend in 2006 after completing two careers: 24 years in the U.S. Army and 16 years in the aerospace industry.

In 1962, Bill met Norma Hoefer of Freeport, Illinois. They were married on June 6, 1964. For the next 53+ years, Norma was the bedrock of his life. In the Gaelic, Norma was known as Bill’s anam cara (soul friend).

With Norma at his side (sometimes figuratively), Bill completed two combat tours in Vietnam: one as an Infantry mortar man and one as an Aviator. He also completed a three-year assignment to Saudi Arabia. In Central Oregon, he developed some skill as an amateur photographer thanks to patient coaching by local professional photographers.

Bill is survived by Norma and their sons William Wayne and Douglas Dwight Wallace, as well as their respective families: Rafif Jouejati and grandsons Adam Wallace and Ramsey Wallace of Virginia; and Nicole Nikrandt Wallace and grandson Cayden Wallace of Wisconsin.

The celebration of life will take place at First Presbyterian in the Sanctuary on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the Commons area immediately afterward, at First Presbyterian, 230 NE 9th Street, Bend, OR 97701.

Bill will be interred in the columbarium of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill Wallace’s name to: Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 www.fisherhouse.org