Bill was born in Meeker, Colorado, but grew up in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania for nine years and then his family moved to Rawlins. Bill graduated from Rawlins High School. He lived in Denver for many years before moving back to Rawlins. Preceding Bill in death were his father, Richard; stepfather, Wayne; brother, Richard Jr.; and aunt, Linda Murphy. Surviving him are two children, Fiona and Kevin; his mother, Mary Thelen; two brothers, George and Dan; and one sister, Lynda.