Obituaries

William "Bill" Elijah Noren

William "Bill" Elijah Noren, age 81, died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 at his residence. He was born Aug. 14, 1934 to Martin and Dorothy Noren in Santa Ana, Calif. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 54 years, Sharon Noren. He was known as Papa Bill to the many who loved him. He served in the US Navy at the LTA Base in Santa Ana, Calif., during the Korean War. He began his building career as a framer and was a long-time employee of Snyder-Langston in Southern California, where he worked as a construction superintendent. In his free time, he enjoyed riding dirt bikes, camping and boating. After officially retiring and moving to Arkansas, he continued to work managing his rental properties. He gave generously of his time and expertise on projects at church and the grandkids' schools. Bill loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, driving them around in his "big red truck." Bill was a wonderful, devoted husband and father. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed. Bill is survived by three children: Julie Butler and husband, John, Michael Noren and wife, Barbie, Janet DeWitt and husband, Jeff; eight grandchildren: Katie Gao and husband, Matt, Kristin and Karrie Butler, Natalie Hotary and husband, Josh, Joshua Noren and wife, Sarah, Jacob Noren and wife, Summer, Jordan and Matthew DeWitt; two great-grandchildren: Emmie and William Noren; one sister: Jeanie VanDiest and husband, Gale; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express a special thanks to Bill's longtime caregiver, Bobbi Upton. A celebration of Bill's life will be Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church of Bentonville (corner of S.W. "A" and S.W. Second Streets). He was interred at Tucks Chapel Cemetery in Rogers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Samaritan's Purse or Feed the Children. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

Published August 14, 2016

Upcoming Events