William Douglas “Bill” Jerden
William Douglas “Bill” Jerden, 70, passed away Saturday, September 8, 2018. Bill had been a resident at Rosewood Rehab Center in Reno for the last year; prior to that, he lived in Reno, NV and Doyle, CA since 2000.
Bill was born on October 21, 1947 in Flint, MI. At the age of 2 he was adopted by William Darrell and Mary Marcelline “Marce” Jerden. He then lived in Bloomington, IN, and went to school there. At the age of 17, Bill answered his Nation’s call and joined the US Army. While in the Army he served two tours in Vietnam from 1965-1968.
In 1968, after leaving the Army, Bill hitchhiked from coast to coast and border to border. In 1984, Bill found himself in Seattle, WA, where he started his own contracting business. He worked as a painter, home remodeler, landscaper, and other jobs that involved the home. In 1992, he moved to Lees Summit, MO, and did more contracting work before joining Schwaan’s. It was through that job in 1999 that he met his wife Dixie Beechner. They left MO in 2000 and settled in the Reno area.
In the Army, Bill achieved the rank of Private. He was Honorably Discharged and remained fiercely proud of his service and his country. It was not unusual to see Bill wearing some garment, whether it be a tee shirt, ball cap, or jacket depicting his role as a veteran, and his pride in the USA.
On June 16, 2001, Bill and Dixie were married in Reno, NV. They had just celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. Dixie survives him at their home in Doyle, CA. Bill is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Darrell M. and Pam Jerden of Bloomington, IN; and Brian W. and Kathy Jerden of Lees Summit, MO; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is survived as well by his stepchildren Jackie Beechner of Lake Stevens, WA; John Beechner of St. Joseph, MO; and Jay Beechner of Herlong, CA. In addition to his stepchildren, he is survived by his 4 step-grandchildren Dustin Beechner, Danyelle Beechner, and Shanin Ellsworth (Beechner) of MO and Joshua Beechner of Reno, NV; and 5 step-great-grandchildren Alivia Woods, Noah Woods, and Jozlyn Beechner of MO; and Nathan Beechner and Anabelle Beechner of NV. He was also a very proud honorary grandfather to Morgan Ausmus of Doyle, CA.
Bill was a stranger to no one, loved by everyone, and will be deeply missed. He was always the first to lend a hand wherever needed, a patient teacher, and very proud “Papa” to his extended family.
A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held Thursday, September 20, 2018, at 11:00 am at Walton’s Colonial Mortuary, 115 South Lassen Street, in Susanville, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to causes involving veterans, such as homeless veteran or wounded warrior projects.
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