William C. Landergen, Sr. — “Cowboy” — age 86, of Mad River, passed away September 17, 2025 in Eureka following a brief illness. His final days were spent with family and friends.

Bill was born May 31, 1939, the only child of Gene and Nevada Landergen. Honeydew was home, where he spent his time with his many cousins hunting, fishing and discovering his love of cars.

Bill attended local schools, graduating from Fortuna High School in 1956. In 1957 he joined the Navy and returned to Fortuna in 1959 to marry his “Miss Ornery” Marilyn Mastel. Bill and Marilyn were married for 60 years at the time of her passing in August of 2019. They raised their five children in the Humboldt/Trinity County area with Bill working as a truck driver for many years.

Driving for so many years Cowboy made friends from across the country. He would regularly keep in touch and check up on his family and friends, his calls will be missed.

Bill and Marilyn loved dancing, watching their kids compete in various sports and participating in car shows. His 1951 Chevy sedan was a source of pride and working on it a favorite hobby. They loved their car show family.

Bill is survived by his children Robert E. Landergen of Mad River, CA, Robin L. Landergen (Allyson) of Ogden, UT, LaDonna K. Haga (Gary) of Honeydew, CA, Gary F. Landergen of Jackson, CA and his daughter-in-law Mandy Landergen of McKinleyville, CA also his brother-in-law Arthur Mastel (Liz) of Medford, OR, as well as 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. He will be missed by numerous other family.

Two days of thunder and lightning following his passing was a sign to his family that he had been reunited with those who had passed before him and the party had begun. Welcoming Bill home, his wife Marilyn Landergen, parents Gene and Nevada Landergen, in-laws Robert and Eva Mastel, son William “Cully” Landergen Jr, grandson Gary “Bub” Haga Jr and brother-in-law Robert Mastel.

Please join the family on Sunday, December 7th at 1 p.m. for a Cowboy Celebration at the Fortuna Veterans Building. If you have it, western wear would be appropriate and appreciated. Come prepared to share your best stories about Cowboy. If you’re not comfortable sharing in person, an audio recording on your phone could be shared. A potluck will follow, sandwich fixings will be provided, bring a side dish to share if you are so inclined.

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