William Joseph "Bill" Mongoven, 85, died December 19, 2010 in Chipley, Florida. He was born to Henry John and Mary Alda Mongoven on August 7, 1925 in Fargo, North Dakota.

He was a veteran of WWII having served in the Pacific in the U.S. Navy.

He graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1942 and was Valedictorian of his class. He attended University of North Dakota and graduated from University of Miami with a law degree. He practiced law for 56 years in the Florida Panhandle. He was honored by the Florida Bar Association for 50 plus years of practice.

He was a very active member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and was instrumental in bringing the church to Chipley.

He worked diligently to provide the community with a local hospital. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Disabled American Veterans, Chipley Quarterback Club and was a founder of the Chamber of Commerce.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Weeks Mongoven, his son, Michael William "Mickey" Mongoven and his brother, J.H. (Jike) Mongoven.

He is survived by his daughter, Kay (Thomas) Eldridge, his sons, Tim (Marsha), Barry (Cecilia) and Donnie Mongoven, and daughter-in-law, Ginger Mongoven. He was known and loved as "Deda" by his 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and their families.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Chipley, Florida.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sunny Hills.