William Frederick Thomford

Bill is survived by his sons, Jeffery (Robin) and Jon (Debbie); his grandchildren, Chris, Cory, Elizabeth, Annie, Jack, Laura, and Christine; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his brother, Darrell “Buck” Thomford (Rochelle).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anard and Laura Thomford, his stepmother, Hazel; his brothers, Don and Jim (Arlene); his wife of 57 years, Barbara Thomford; and his partner of 10 years, Lorraine Forslin.

Bill was born in Pine Island, Minnesota on March 31, 1932. He worked with his brothers and father while growing up on the family farm in Zumbrota, Minnesota. Bill attended High School in Zumbrota, where he met his future wife, Barbara Davis. He briefly attended the University of Minnesota in Mortuary Science before serving 2 years in the US Army. On returning from his army service, he received a degree in Forestry and married Barbara. He worked at several companies before starting with Lyman Lumber, where he spent the rest of his work life, retiring in 1994.

Bill and Barb raised their family in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. They later enjoyed retirement at Smith Mountain Lake in Huddleston, Virginia. Later in life, Bill and Barb returned to Prescott, Wisconsin, to be closer to family. Shortly after moving to Prescott, Barb passed away.

Bill’s passions included woodworking, playing bridge, and cheering first for the Packers, the Vikings, the Commanders, and, most recently, the Jaguars. He and Barb especially loved the Gopher men’s hockey team, cheering them on through many years of season tickets. He loved to have a cigar, sip on a scotch, and solve the world’s problems with his close friends and family.

Bill and Lorraine were inseparable from the day they met. They became the social center of any neighborhood they lived in: Bloomington, Minnesota, Phoenix, Arizona, and most recently Ponte Vedra, Florida. He treasured his time with Lorraine and her extended family and with all the neighbors who became like family to him.

Family and friends are invited to the memorial service.

10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025

Westwood Community Church

3121 Westwood Drive

Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon afterwards.

Livestream is available for the memorial service: William Thomford Memorial Service https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?type=schedule&id=df17bef5-789c-421f-bb24-ba3880666ee8&playerProfileId=YzA0MDYxOGQtNjhkOC00OGQ5LTg2MTItNTlkOTFhMzQxZmViOjdkYzM0NDYwLWRhMTktMTFlZC04ZGUyLTU1YmUyMGE2Y2VmZA==&startTime=2025-10-30T15:45:00.000Z

Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered to Westwood Community Church for the memorial service. Those wishing to make a memorial donation, please send it to the American Heart Association.