Alumni Feature:
William "Bill" Lisenby
By Emmy Lu Olson
Fall 2001

William "Bill" Lisenby, 78, passed away on August 14, 2001, at his Havre home. Mr. Lisenby was born on September 8, 1922 in Woodhull, Illinois. He was the son of Archie and Ethel Lisenby and grew up and attended school in Illinois.

Lisenby enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a staff sergeant during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He received his bachelor and master degrees in education at Western Illinois University in Macomb and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He then taught high school for two years in Knoxville, Illinois.

On March 25, 1948 he married Marian P Etnire and moved to Havre where he had accepted a job as an English professor at Northern Montana College. He devoted many years to the Humanities/Social Science department (now Arts & Sciences) and attained assistant professorship in 1952 and continuous tenure in 1959. He also served as director of the radio station. After teaching for 32 years, Bill retired on June 30, 1980.

Bill was active in the community where he provided music for many services and volunteered many hours at the Northern Montana Care Center. He was also former president of the Havre Community Concert Association, member of the Retired Teachers, AARP, and St. Jude Parish as well as serving on the Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Great Falls/ Billings.

Several of his former students and friends wrote about their memories of him. "I remember him as a wonderful teacher and a caring, gentle man." - Steve Kinholt.

"He was one of those colorful personalities who made Northern such a unique small college during the 1970's. Bill truly loved the town of Havre and Northern Montana College. He was a staunch supporter of student causes and events. It would have been nice to spend time with him during the reunion in October."  - Mike Bruce

"What I remember most about Bill Lisenby is his love of music and playing the organ at our church. He and his wife were always such a big part of community and such enjoyable people. I know that Havre will miss him a lot." - Joanna Mangels

"Right up until last year, Bill showed an interest in Northern students as he adopted two students in the adopt-a-floor program." - Sue Swan

"I have known Bill since he came to NMC and he was truly an interesting personality. I totally agree with Mike Bruce." - Bob Boettcher

Survivors include his sister, Catherine Tye of Santa Rose, California, two nieces, one nephew, four grandnieces, and two grandnephews.