Obituary of William Wirstrom

William “Bill” C. Wirstrom Sr left this earth on July 16, 2023, peacefully with his family by his side. He was born May 25, 1940, in Salem, New Jersey to Wandalea D. Wirstrom. He would go on to graduate from Orange Blossom High School in San Fernando, California, class of 1958. While in high school he would play basketball, was the advisory board chairman, A11 class president, and participated in student body cabinet. Following high school, William would attend Louisiana State University earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering while participating in the Sigma Pi fraternity and Air Force ROTC. After college, he would earn a commission in the United States Air Force and attend Undergraduate Pilot Training (class 64D), graduating in December of 1964. While on active-duty, William served in many roles and several duty stations; to include Craig Air Force Base, Alabama, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and Stead AFB, Nevada. He would also deploy to Vietnam, serving two tours, flying rescue helicopters, and participating in numerous rescues of sailors and airmen. In the military he flew many different aircraft, including the T-37, T-38, HH-43, C-119, C-130, A-37, and A-10. Following active duty, William transferred to the Air Force Reserve where he served as a pilot, flight lead, instructor, evaluator, and serving in multiple roles and responsibilities in the Pentagon. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. While serving in the Air Force Reserve, William also flew for Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a flight engineer and pilot flying on the Boeing 707, Boeing 727, Boeing 747, and his most talked about and favorite, the Lockheed L-1011, traveling all over the world. William also spent time working for his father at Bywater Coatings in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. William is proceeded in death by his father Nils A. Wirstrom, Mother Wandalea D. Wirstrom and brother Robert Wirstrom. He is survived by his spouse Irene Wirstrom of Shelton, Washington, children Michael Wirstrom of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Charles Wirstrom of New York, New York, John Wirstrom of San Antonio, Texas, William Wirstrom Jr. of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Samuel Wirstrom of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Angelea Wirstrom of Phoenix, Arizona, sisters Sandi Braatz of Palmetto, Florida, Judi Wirstrom-Lewis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Wanda Wirstrom of Bradenton, Florida. This also includes 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. Some of his hobbies include fishing, boating, and chatting with friends on his HAM radio set up. Funeral Arrangements and services will be held at the St Edwards Catholic Church in Shelton, Washington on August 19, 2023. William will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to be made in William’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Flight Training Scholarship, or Louisiana State University Alumni Association.