Willard N. Irion

Willard Norman Irion, lovingly known as “Bill,” a cherished individual known for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, left us on April 9, 2026. Born on December 3, 1934, Bill lived a life filled with tremendous passion for people, animals, and the outdoors, and service towards others.

Bill was born on the farm near Fredonia, North Dakota to parents of German descent, Otto Irion and Anna Haag. He was one of five children and on the farm he learned the value of family, faith, and fortitude. These values carried him throughout life and sustained him through obstacles and achievements.

Growing up in a rural setting, Bill always enjoyed all that the outdoors had to offer, including hunting, fishing, hauling bales, and milking cows.

He graduated from Kulm School and married Alice Mayer. Together, they moved to Montana, where they deeply enjoyed the beauty and outdoor life. In 1959, Bill joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany as a warehouse parts specialist.

Bill’s children from his marriage to Alice Irion include Rodney Dale Irion (1960–2018) and Carolyn Ann Leingang. Bill later married Mary (Dussault) and shared a blended family.

In Montana, Bill managed grocery stores, and he and Mary later moved to Idaho where they owned their own store and lived in the mountains he so treasured.

When Bill retired, it allowed him more time to focus on being a better hunter than his friends, but actually he became a better cook at the hunting cabin for all his buddies. His loyalty and commitment were evident in his lifelong friendships.

He enjoyed traveling, especially to national parks, and loved camping, hiking, skiing, golfing and outside work. His greatest joy, besides golfing, hunting, camping, and fishing were his grandchildren. Grandpa Bill was known for his playful spirit and his love for adventures with his grandchildren. Whether it was fishing at the lake, golfing with them, or taking them for ice cream, he was always creating fun. He often caught his limit and loved telling fishing stories. He also found much pleasure in reading broadly and in sharing books with others. He was known for reading a book a day and finished many puzzles. His mind was always sharp and full of fun and love.

The benediction: “Go into the world with a daring and tender heart. The world is waiting for you. Go in peace and may all that you do be done because of love.” Bill was the very embodiment of that blessing.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Alvin) Leingang; his grandchildren, Kellie Kvislen, Katie Kvislen, Joshua Kvislen, Brooke (Jayson)Knight, his brother, Gordon (Kathy) Irion; Dawn (Irion) (Trevor) Sanders, Kyle Kvislen, Linda Mattingly, Diane Hawkins, Matt Mattingly, Susan Hadley.; numerous nieces nephews and his favorite dog, Copper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Anna Irion; his siblings, Eugene Irion, Florence Schlecht, and Adeline Dobler; his wife, Mary Irion; his son, Rodney Irion and step-son, Tommy Mattingly.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.