Obituary of William Joseph Cheff

William “Bill” Cheff, died peacefully on September 17, at the age of 92, in Oroville, CA.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Grace, sons Stuart (Haeyoung), and Steven (Betty), and grandchildren Katie, Jonathan, Ellie, Noah, and Jonah. He was preceded in death by grandson, Joseph.

Bill was born in Butte, Montana and lived in many places growing up. Bill graduated from Oroville High School in 1949 and remained in the community the rest of his life. Bill served in the US Navy during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, USS Oriskany. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he enrolled in California State University, Chico and graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Bill started work with Butte County Public Works Department in 1962 as a junior engineer and retired as director in 1994. He was involved in several projects throughout the County but was most proud of the design and construction of the Old Ferry Bridge, the Butte Creek Bridge alongside the historic covered bridge, and the Upper Thermalito Bridge across the Feather River. Bill was a life member of the County Engineer Association of California (CEAC) and the National Association of County Engineers (NACE). Bill was an active member of the Oroville Rotary Club for decades and was involved in many community service projects. While raising a family with Grace, Bill supported the youth of Oroville by managing an Oroville Little League team for 12 years and assisting in youth football as a timekeeper for 12 years and served as a statistician for radio station broadcasts of Oroville Union High School District and Butte College games. Bill and Grace taught their family how to enjoy life with annual trips to Santa Cruz, camping, and spending time at Lake Madrone with their close friends the Walshs, Ricketts, Burnams, Wilsons, and many others. Bill also enjoyed golfing with his close friends. After retirement, Bill and Grace enjoyed traveling with friends and spending precious time with their grandchildren in California and Maine. Bill was inducted in the Oroville Union High School District Hall of Fame in 2010.

The family would like to thank Kim Bone, both a caregiver and friend, who assisted Bill daily during the last years of his life and close family friends Marc Walsh, Jenny Schmautz, and their families for always being there when we needed them.

A Visitation will be held Monday, September 25th, 2023 4:00pm-7:00pm at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson St. Oroville Ca.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the future; the date is still to be determined. 

Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home. (530) 534-3877