He spent his early childhood in Dunseith and later youth in Rolla where he met his high school sweetheart Eunice (Lentz) Awalt. They were married on June 11, 1961 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Rolla, North Dakota.
After their vows, the newlyweds moved to Bismark, North Dakota where Bill worked as an airport state radio communicator. A few years later, they moved back to Rolla to help with the Lentz family business: The Dairy Queen. Before long, Bill assumed full ownership and taught his four kids how to make the perfect ice cream cone. 18 years later, Bill sold the business to spend more time with family and spent the next 20 years as a store manager for Munro’s True Value.
During his life, Bill was an avid golfer, carpenter, and active church member. One of his proudest achievements was the work he did with the Rolla Volunteer Fire Department. He served as a firefighter for 30 years, helped establish and serve on the very first Rolla EMT team and was named Chief Firefighter for the last 5 years of his services. The only thing Bill loved more than serving his community was spending time with his family. In 2001, Bill followed his grandchildren to Lincoln, Nebraska.
He started his new adventure as a manager at Ace True Value but eventually found the perfect role in Facility Maintenance for Lincoln Surgical Hospital. It was the perfect combination of helping others and using his brilliant problem-solving skills and craftsmanship. He was known for his teasing, patience, and work ethic. After 20 years, Bill tried to retire but ended up continuing his work there whenever he could.
Although we all mourn our loss, we rejoice that his with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
William is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Eunice Awalt; his children Dean Awalt and wife Lara Awalt, Gary Awalt, Tami Carlson and husband Scott Carlson, and Scott Awalt; grandchildren Betty Schwiekert, Emma Teel and husband Garrett Teel, Morgan Awalt, Mackenzie Carlson, Jacob Carlson and Joseph Carlson; several great grandchildren; brother and sisters Eleanor Stickland, Marshall Awalt, Emma Jean Jolliffe, Bonnie Houle, John Awalt and wife Jerri Awalt; sister-in-law Theresa Awalt, and Marilyn Hedland and husband Vern Hedland; and countless other loved ones.
William D. Awalt touched the hearts of everyone he met and will be remembered for his selfless dedication to family, faith and service. May he rest in eternal peace.
Memorial service: 10:30 am Saturday, January 25, 2025, Messiah Lutheran Church, 1800 S. 84th St. Burial in Fairview Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
Visitation with family present from 5-7 pm Friday, January 24, 2025, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St.
Memorials to the family for future designation.