William Prause

William E. Prause, 75, of Libby died from natural causes on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at his home.

He was born Jan. 7, 1931, in Omaha, Neb., to William and Margaret Johanson Prause.

At age 4, William moved to Hollywood, Calif., and graduated from Hollywood High School in 1949. He received a football scholarship to the University of Southern California.

William on June 10, 1950, married the former Joan Llewellyn in Arizona.

In 1952, he was hired as an officer with the Los Angeles City Police Department. He worked there for 14 years.

William in 1974 came to Montana to enjoy the outdoors. He liked camping and taking fishing trips with son and friends to Howard Lake.

During his time here, he was a substitute teacher and coach in Libby Public Schools.

William was preceded in death by his wife in 1970.

He is survived by three children, Kathleen Joy Leonard of Prunedale, Calif., Kristine Llewellyn Prause of Missoula and Bill Prause of Libby; nine grandchildren, Jeff, Brian, Jill, Amy, Gavin, Hugh, Grant, Julie and Jesse; and two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Jessie.

A gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the family home at 269 N. Central Road in Libby.

Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.