He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Louise (Litz); sons Patrick William and Matthew David; daughter, Julianna Grace Nezlyn as well as by his sisters, Sr. Mary Margaret of Jesus, O.P. (Mary Pat), and Ann; brother, Thomas; sister-in-law, Gwendolyn; nephew, Timothy; and niece, Erin. He is preceded in death by his parents William & Dora (Haugen) and his sister, Joan.
Bill is a 1967 graduate of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, MN. He received a BA in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota in 1971. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force, serving his country from 1971 to 1975 at Lackland Air Force Base where he achieved the rank of Sergeant E-4, before receiving an honorable discharge.
After leaving the Air Force, Bill worked as a computer programmer for defense contractors and several other companies, ending in the IT department at Kaiser Permanente. He enjoyed meticulously creating “bullet proof” code and continued his efforts at home to “keep his skills sharp.”
Recently, Bill became a member of the American Legion. He proudly flew an American flag on most holidays and other days with good weather, and when he was not wearing a cap from his University of Minnesota days, he had a cap stating that he was a Vietnam Era Veteran.
Growing up in a Catholic family, he served in several roles, including Altar boy, Eucharistic lay minister and as a lay reader. In Milpitas, California, he became active in the First Presbyterian Church of Milpitas. After his family’s move to Colorado, he and his family attended and volunteered for over 19 years at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO. Bill enjoyed working in the sound booth helping to produce church services and later became a full-time volunteer in the nursery ministry where he enjoyed rocking babies.
Puzzles were a passion for Bill: Sudoku, logic and jigsaw puzzles especially. You might also find him watching sitcoms or late-night TV when he wasn’t out driving for Lyft and Uber to help support his family. He often recorded favorite shows by VCR, graduating to DVDs and more recently using a DVR. Additionally Bill enjoyed traveling to Mexico, California, and many other places. He loved spending time with his family on these trips and looked forward to visiting with extended family members when he could.
Bill had a quick smile and a heart that he opened unconditionally to those who crossed his path. The word most used to describe him by those who knew him is kind. He loved puns, wordplays of all sorts, and listening to relaxing music. He always sang along with John Denver, Karen Carpenter and several other artists from times passed. Bill was handy with tools when needed, and devoted to his faith and family. He never stayed angry for long, and always valued practicality. He would do anything for his family.
His memorial service will be held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Highlands Ranch (9203 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126) on Saturday, June 1st at 10:00 a.m.
His arrangements are being handled by Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery. He will be placed at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Monday, June 3rd where he will receive Military Honors.
If you wish to make a memorial donation, please send to one of Bill’s favorite charities DeLaSalle High School, One DeLaSalle Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1500; U of M Alumni Association, PO BOX 77047, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9912, or the Uphold Ministry at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.
DONATIONS
DeLaSalle High School, One DeLaSalle Drive U of M Alumni AssociationPO BOX 77047, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480-9912
Uphold Ministry at Cherry Hills Community Church3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18