SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Bill J. Sweem worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years as a conductor and yardmaster.

During World War II, he served in the Second Marine Division in the Pacific. He was wounded at Tarawa and received the Purple Heart

He was a member of the American Legion, United Transportation Union and Disabled American Veterans.

Mr. Sweem, 65, died Tuesday in the Veterans Administration Center after a long illness.

He was born in Sheridan, a son of Oscar J. and Daisye Bentling Sweem. He resided in Hot Springs, S.D, returning to Sheridan in 1935. He attended Sheridan High School and was active in sports during his school years.

He married Mary Elizabeth Jensik on Nov. 12, 1958, in Casper.

Survivors include his wife; a son. Bill M, his stepfather, Harold Birdsail, and a brother, Glen D, all of Sheridan; two sisters, Mrs. John (Esther) Kuchera of Sheridan and Lois ChampendaU of Bennett, Colo.; and two grandchildren.

Services win be at 2 p.m. Friday in Champion Funeral Home with burial in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

The Billings Gazette - Jan. 22, 1987.