Age of 86, of Columbia Heights peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 17th, 2019 at Crestview nursing home in Columbia Heights, MN with his ever so loving wife Lou and family by his side.
Bill was born March 3, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN. to William and Esther Cotter. He graduated from Edison High School with the class of 1950 where he played football and participated on the track team, running and throwing the shot put.
Bill worked for Sears Roebuck and Co. at the Sears Tower in Minneapolis, MN. He retired as a shipping and receiving manager after more than 40 years. This is also where he met the love of his life Lou. Bill and Lou were united in marriage on July 27th, 1957 in the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis MN.
Bill was an exceptional pitcher on several fastpitch softball teams. He also was an accomplished golfer and bowler. He won countless tournaments and trophies for softball, bowling, golf, horseshoes and many other activities he enjoyed. He was also a skilled woodworker and craftsman. Bill truly enjoyed and was proud to have over 40 years of service in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve. He joined the Navy in June of 1951 and retired from the naval reserve in March of 1992 as a Mineman First Class.
Bill enjoyed working hard and staying busy. He especially enjoyed giving a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He was a faithful member of Woodcrest Baptist Church and Academy in Fridley MN where he was very involved and loved volunteering in many ways. The Woodcrest Baptist Church congregation loved the joy and happiness Bill brought to them all and stood beside Bill and Lou throughout his health struggles in his later years including a battle he fought and won with Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer.
Preceded in death by his parents, William and Esther; and brother, Larry.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Lou; his two sons, Greg (Joanne) and Billy; three grandsons, Nathan, Ben and Jake; great-granddaughter, Kieran; and his twin great-grandsons, Easton and Finnley.
He will be missed by so many.
Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, February 27th, at Woodcrest Baptist Church (6875 University Ave NE, Minneapolis). Visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial at Sunset Cemetery.
