Obituary of William Weisdepp

No Visitation is planned. William Weisdepp After a long battle with sarcoma, Dad passed away on January 31st in Olympia. William H. “Bill” Weisdepp was born on Jan. 9, 1923 in Seattle to Warren and Essie (Armstrong) Weisdepp, the youngest of five children. Bill grew up in Yelm, graduating from Yelm High School in 1941. Upon graduation Bill joined the army and originally was assigned to an artillery battery. After the army discovered Bill’s musical talent with a trumpet he was transferred into an Army band and drove convoys throughout the U.S. during the war. It was Bill’s service in the Army band that led to his affiliation with the Olympia American Legion Band which Bill was a member for over fifty years. In 1948 Bill went to work for the US Postal Service. While performing as a professional musician Bill often played swing music dance jobs at the old Evergreen Ballroom. Both longtime members of St. Michael’s Parish, Bill met Ardis M. Engel and they were married on July 15, 1950. In 1960 Bill went to work at the Olympia Brewing Co., retiring from the Keg Department in 1983. In his retirement Dad played trumpet and French horn in both the Olympia American Legion Band and the Tacoma Elks Club Band. Dad and Mom thoroughly enjoyed the many wonderful friends and companionship they received through their affiliation with these bands. Dad also volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul for many years. An avid sports fan, Dad closely followed the Mariners and was often in attendance at his grandchildren’s sporting events. Bill is survived by Ardis, his wife of 59 years, sons Paul (Debbie) in Port Orchard, Fred (Connie) in Olympia, Evan (Lynn) in Stanwood, daughters Mary Clayville (Dennis) in Lacey and Angie Klein (Dan) in San Mateo, CA and sister Gladys Wallin-Burlingame in Olympia in addition to 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, a brother and granddaughter. We are thankful that Dad is no longer in pain but his quick smile and easy laughter will long be missed. Our family would like to express our appreciation to the nurses and staff of Olympia Manor who provided the comfort and care for Dad in his final weeks. Our family suggests memorials be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Michael’s or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Condolences may be left online for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.