William W. Bilhorn, 94, a resident of San Juan Capistrano in California, departed from his troubled body on December 2nd, 2024, in Mission Hospital.  He was surrounded by his three children.  He knew his savior and was ready to meet Jesus.

Known for his sense of humor and for being a bit of a prankster, Bill was a dedicated family man, an outdoor enthusiast, and an international business professional.  He was born in Amherst Wisconsin as the only child of the late Pearle and Orrin Bilhorn. He played football in High School, graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in mining engineering, and started his long career in the copper mines south of Santiago, Chile.  Bill met the love of his life, Carol Church, in Wisconsin's Waupaca Chain of Lakes.  When her father, Clarence Church, would not allow her to travel alone to marry him in Chile, he quit his job and returned to marry her in Wisconsin.  Carol was his lifelong partner and soulmate.  Immediately following their marriage, Bill began 4 years of service in the Army as a Topographic Engineer, and while in military service he also acquired a pilot's license.

Bill's career took him to many parts of the world.  It also took him and his family through numerous moves, including Minnesota, Peru, New York, California, Colorado and Connecticut. In various progressive roles, his work involved overseeing operations in countries such as Peru, Europe, Japan, and Australia.  From these traveling experiences he developed an appreciation for diverse cultures, and many lifelong friendships. Due to Bill and Carol's adventurous spirits, their family grew up snorkeling and scuba diving; sailing and motor boating; water and snow skiing; camping and fishing, and many other outdoor adventures. Some of us kids even joined him in windsurfing and hunting.

Following retirement, he and Carol led a ministry south of Ensenada that sponsored hundreds of indigenous children through higher education and university. Among his other volunteer activities, Bill taught English to Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara, and was a volunteer for the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Game in Orange County.

He leaves behind Carol, his wife of 71 years; his daughters Chris and Susan; his son Jeff; 6 grandkids – Stephen, Laura, Daniel, Carol, Ben, and Liam; and 1 great grandson, Leo.

A private Celebration of Bill's life will be held with family and friends closest to Bill on April 5th, 2025.  Any donations in his memory can be made to South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA.