William “Bill” Joel Barkkari, 87

William Joel Barkkari, 87, passed away on May 27, 2025, at his home in Columbia Falls with his wife by his side.  Bill was born on April 20, 1938, in Hancock, Michigan to William and  Alina Barkkari.

Bill attended grade school in Columbia Falls while his father worked on the Hungry Horse Dam and then they moved back home to Michigan where he graduated from high school in Ontonagon, Michigan.  He enlisted in the Army-Air Force in 1955, served four years. He was an aircraft mechanic and worked on helicopters. He was based at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California.

Professionally Bill worked for John Deere as a mechanic, owned an upholstery shop in Columbia Falls for 10 years, “Columbia Falls Upholstery.”

He also worked for Plum Creek Timber as a millwright for 20 years and retired from there in 1996. 

Bill did many things in his life journey and took great pride in his work and a job “very” well done. Which earned him the nickname of “Precision Bill.”

Bill loved his fishing, ice fishing the most, also enjoyed hunting, knife making, mechanic work, carpentry, and building. He could fix or build almost anything. He also loved his annual trip to his childhood home in Michigan with his grandson, Erik where they enjoyed saunas, strawberries, and of course fishing. Another love of his was to spend time enjoying the cabin he built out at Kila, working on projects, enjoying quiet time with family.

In his younger years, he raced motorcycles across the desert and even had the trophies to prove it. 

Some notable accomplishments of Bills were that he received a certificate of appreciation award for the design and construction of a basket for cleaning and packing aircraft bearings, which was a new concept and saved the fighter bases substantially on an annual basis. He was highly commended on his outstanding workmanship and personal attitude towards his work. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Loralee (Lolly) Smith, former wife Bobbie Jones, grandson Erik Matson, and granddaughter Ellen Alena Scheetz, and stepson-in-law Garrett Grothen.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of 36 years, daughters Holli Guthrie (Gene), and Korri Marshall. Stepchildren; Sue Stevenson (Mark), Michael Strouse (Barb), Michelle Grothen (Cary), and Linda Strouse. Sister Gloria Woodell (Kent). Grandchildren; Beth, Jolie (Luke), Brittney (Taylor), Jessica (Aaron), Lindsay (Cole), Adam (Leighna), Lexie (Gunnar), Carly (Levi), Tyler, and Claire. Great grandchildren; Erica, Byron, Payton, and Marias. 

A memorial service and celebration of life were held Friday, May 30, 2025 at Columbia Mortuary. To send online condolences please visit Bill’s tribute page at columbiamortuary.com.