William Bane Swanstrom passed away March 5, 2017 in Great Falls, Montana.  He was born in Pecatonica, Illinois. on Oct. 8, 1935 to Barney and Daisy (Bane) Swanstrom.  Growing up on the family's farm in central IL, Bill was given his first tractor at the age of six, this began a lifelong love of tractors.  After graduating High School from DeLand IL, he enlisted in United States Air Force.  While training in Colorado, he met his future wife Sandra Jean Thornton.  They were wed January 29, 1956.  Work on the Libby Dam in Libby, Montana brought Bill and the family to McGregor Lake, MT in 1970.  In 1995 Bill and Sandra moved to Fort Benton which offered small town living and sunny winters.  Sandra passed away in 2001.  Bill operated cranes throughout the West until his retirement.  He later married Sue Himebaugh in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Weston Cartwright, and his first wife, Sandra.

Bill is survived by his wife Sue, children Kenneth, Karla (Bob Cartwright) of Kalispell. Kris (Steve Kelly) of Fort Benton. Kara Kaltschmidt of Renton, Washington. Stepdaughters Nysha Himebaugh of Portland, Oregon and Taya (Dave Anderson) of Great Falls, Montana. Sister Suzanne, brothers Steven and Oscar. And also 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service is at Community Bible Church, Fort Benton Montana, Thursday, March 9th at 11:00. Memorials are suggested to the Dedman Foundation of Fort Benton, Montana or the charitable foundation of your choice. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Bill's online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.