William "Bill" Ernest Toelkes

William Ernest Toelkes, a Kansas native with a deep affinity with the Marianas and Micronesia, passed away on August 13, 2026 at the age of 98. Bill, as he was fondly known, was a veteran who served in the US Navy and was initially stationed in Japan. His time in the Pacific would begin his long love affair for Guam, the CNMI, and the vast islands of the Trust Territory.

Mr. Toelkes was a pioneer in the construction industry, building critical infrastructure across the islands in the wake of World War II. Bill cofounded American International Constructors in 1965. He would later establish International Bridge Corporation in 1976 and International Bridge and Construction, Marianas in 1982. He also spent nearly 20 years developing infrastructure projects across Alaska in the 1950s and 60s.
Bill is survived by his three children, Fred, Christine and Robert, grandchildren: Natalia and Jerrod, and great granddaughter, Lakeland Ann.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Saint Francis of Assisi in Lepeer, Kansas. His remains will be interred at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Berryton, Kansas. A memorial service will be held in Guam at a later date to be determined.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, Bill's memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.