William J. Parkhouse “Wild Bill” passed from this earth, peacefully surrounded by family, on April 7, 2026 at the age of 88. Bill was born March 7, 1938 to George and Cecelia (Bahl) Parkhouse. He was raised in Arthur, ND always talking of his happy childhood and his wonderful family. In his younger years he enjoyed working for Herb Johnson on his farm earning $5 per day.
Bill found his calling when he purchased the Town Hall Bar in West Fargo in 1964. It had two booths, eight stools, and two ice trays as he told it. He was the perfect bartender. He loved people, loved to visit, and was a good listener. He built his business over the next 40 years. As the neighboring businesses closed he bought the building expanding the bar as it sits today. He was a hard worker and the best promoter, to this day he holds the record for the most pool and dart league teams in the area. Most of his employees, who were like family, stuck with him for 20 years or more, a true testament to what a wonderful, caring boss he was. He took such pride in his business.
After selling the Town Hall in 2000 he enjoyed time at the lake but he wasn’t quite ready for retirement so, he followed one of his favorite employees as he spread his wings and opened The Fort in Abercrombie where Bill took great pride in mentoring Brandon, who considered Bill his second dad.
Bills favorite season was hunting season, he so enjoyed his hunting days with Greg and Chaunce. It was something he looked forward to every year. Dead Eye Parkhouse as he liked to be called.
Besides Westerns and MN Twins Baseball on the TV, Bill’s most favorite pastime was going for drives with his best buddy Dae-Z Mae, who passed away just a few short weeks before him. They are now together again tooling all over Heaven.
Bill cared so much for everyone, had the biggest heart, and would help you whenever he could, expecting nothing in return.
His family was the most important to him, loved them all so much, and enjoyed every minute spent together.
Bill is survived by his wife, Melody of 40 plus years. His children Tammy (Kevin) Husen, Shelley (Earl) Parkhouse; step children Paulann (Brent) Haakenson, Shane (Liz) Kautzman, the best hunting partner Greg (Patrice) Jensen. His precious grandchildren who brought him so much joy Derek (Laurel) Husen, Travis (Betsy) Husen, Chaunce (Shayna) Sandness, Makenzie (Emily) Delvalle, Evan (CeCe) Haakenson, Apryl (Carson) Haakenson, Kody Krause, Alex and Tayler Stewart; Great Grandchildren Addy, McKenna, Weston, Walker, Millie, and Lily. Sister Georgene (Allan) Melander, sister-in-laws Betty Parkhouse, Kim Parkhouse, Marilyn Bensen, Leanna Bensen, and brother-in-law Carl (Karen) Bensen; many nieces, nephews, and so many friends.
He is preceded in death by his beloved furbaby Dae-Z, brothers Bob and Ben, sisters Bev (Bob) Iwen, Donna (Willard) Jones, brother-in-laws Robert, Gary, Owen and Dean Bensen.
Blessed be his memory.
The family would like to thank HIA Hospice for their loving care at this difficult time.
Memorial Service: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior. Please join the family for a social gathering at the West Fargo VFW (North Room) immediately following the service.
Online Guestbook: https://www.westfuneralhome.com/obituary/Bill-Parkhouse
Funeral Home: West Funeral Home, West Fargo
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