Wilton Ahlstrom

Wilton (Ole Bill) James Ahlstrom, devoted husband and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away in the early hours of August 11, at the age of 87. Surrounded by his wife Ginny of 66 years and his four doting daughters, he took his final breath after silently battling colon cancer.  Born on February 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Reuben and Anna Ahlstrom, Bill was a loving son who cared deeply for his parents and siblings Ruby and Bob. Despite being a quiet man with shy tendencies, he positioned himself to be a Pilot, so right after high school graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force and left home for flight training in San Antonio, Class 55-V.  By the time he was almost 21, he met the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny) while stationed in Topeka, Kansas.  Within two months, they were married and became a pair of adventurers with the help of the military. It didn’t take long before they added their own little gypsies to the band. Bill loved to travel and explore this great Earth with his family.  This expanded everyone’s horizons, taking them all over the world, together and apart.  They learned to have large world views and giant hearts, embracing the wealth of love that encompassed them.  Still, war did intrude.  Bill (call sign Flash) flew a number of C-130 rescue missions in Vietnam, eventually retiring his wings as a decorated vet in the heart of Northern Utah.  Upon his retirement from the military, he became a master meat cutter while pursuing his education at Weber State University, then continued to serve the military in a civilian role as an Education Counselor until finally settling into the good life of travel and leisure.  Bill enjoyed cooking and was regarded as a master chef, sharing many of the recipes of his Scandinavian heritage with his relatives and friends.  He was afforded the privilege of seeking the night sky, whether by campfire in the Wasatch Mountains or sailing on the Great Salt Lake. He played guitar by the campfire while his family sang along.  Bill made his way to the great oceans every chance he got.  His wild and gentle Viking spirit was made greater by the largeness of his life.  He stood before his family as a positive force and will remain a fiercely protective ancestor. He was a wise and gentle soul, whose kindness and humor, generous spirit, intelligence, and courage will be missed deeply.  His light is not gone.  He lives on in every heart he touched.  Bill is survived by his wife, Ginny and daughters, Tami (Jim), Cindy, Teri (Mitch) and Erika (Grant), as well as eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Military honors and a memorial will be held on September 24th, followed by an informal gathering of family and friends.  Please contact the family for more information.