William P. Delaney

William Paul Delaney, a U.S. Army and Air National Guard Veteran, passed away at his home on June 27, 2025. William was born on the family farm near Perham, Minnesota on June 27, 1931. He was the fifth and last child of Thomas V. Delaney and Elizabeth O. (Hassler) Delaney.

He married the love of his life, Yolande Sauvageau on July 15, 1953. Together, with the help of almighty God, they created and raised eight beautiful children. They lived most of their working years in the Moorhead, Minnesota area.

Bill worked on his parents’ farm until he was married and worked for a short time for Land O’ Lakes Creameries in Perham. He was drafted in 1954 and served two years in the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he joined the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) and served as a “Happy Hooligan” for 31 years. Bill worked as an Air Technician and part time as a real estate salesman for 13 years. After his retirement from the NDANG, he worked at the Professional Building in Fargo, retiring as building manager in 1996. He was active in his community, serving on all committees as Chairman of the Board of the NDANG Credit Union (now Freedom Community). Bill was president of St. Frances de Sales PTO and served on the school board. He served on the Oakport Township board and was instrumental in installing water and sewer. After retirement, he loved summers at the lake and winters in Arizona. His pride and joy was always his wife, children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Joseph and John, his sister, Delores, and his first grandson, Tyler Kahle. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Yolande Sauvageau Delaney.

His legacy continues through his daughters: Valerie Delaney, Tina Reinert (Ted), Sharon Merdovic (Beli), Patrice Delaney (Paul), and Mary Delaney (Clark); his sons: Gerald Delaney (Bonnie), Scott Delaney, and Kristofer Delaney (Abby); and his brother, James Delaney.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass to be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S Dobson Rd, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

Bill will be laid to rest at a later date in Fargo National Cemetery, Fargo, ND.