Billy and I were in kindergarten together in 1948 at Keewaydin grade school. He was always good at every sport, especially at baseball. Our group was at the park constantly playing some type of game.
He later became a very good professional golfer and golf instructor.
He was a great friend and he will be missed.
I only recently got to know Billy as a friend through our semi-weekly RHS Classmates and Friends Bible study/prayer group meetings
at the Richfield VFW on Monday mornings. He was a gentle man. Thank you Faith Erickson/Katz for faithfully supporting him, especially in recent months.
Howard Engnell
Billy and I picked up our relationship shortly after 50th Roosevelt reunion. He was sweet..strong..kind..very handsome..generous..fun loving..wholesome..loved our Lord Jesus..and very much a gentleman. Since our meeting again we have traveled..sang at karaoke (BTW) Billy sounded just like Dean Martin..we laughed and we cried together. Life had meaning when Billy and I were together. The last twelve years with him brought many many memories of us..to cherish. We met in kindergarten..went all the way through our senior year together. We both went to Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church and we were confirmed together. Never will I forget Billy. I miss you my sweet Billy.
I just learned about Billy's stomach cancer a couple of weeks ago when we talked on the telephone and I got to talk to him and his daughter Katie just a few days before he past away. I'm really grateful I got a chance to say goodbye. I have so many good memories of our time together, playing golf, working together at some oddball temporary jobs and enjoying hanging out together. He was a terrific person, fun to be around, good with people and he got better at his best traits through the years. I'm going to really miss him, condolences to Faith, Katie to all Billy's friends and family.
I didn't know Billy well during high school, but reconnected at a reunion. He was such a joy to communicate with and I loved the photos he posted of his darling granddaughter. I'm so happy that he and Faith connected in later years and had a good time as companions. He was a good one!! My deepest sympathy to his family and Faith.
I spoke with Billy soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. He was still processing the doctor’s prognosis, and figuring out how he could do all he wanted to – especially with his daughter, Katie, and his granddaughter. There was no anger or self-pity, just acceptance and the desire to get things done.
I know Billy loved the Lord. But being Billy, he could also overthink getting to heaven. Or as Billy might say, “What are the odds?” That’s easy – for Billy it’s a sure bet!
Abpuit five years ago serious talks began about shutting down Hiawatha Golf Course. Not wanting to miss our last chance to play, Denny Hoff, Ron Naslund, Bill and I played a fall round. We did it for four years, missing only this year. The rounds were played with lousy golf, but great stories. We shared memories of favorite teachers, friends and teammates. Bill was a fun classmate and a huge Roosevelt booster. He'll be missed and we may need to look for another memberr of our golf group. Skill no longer a requirement.
Ronald Naslund
Billy and I were in kindergarten together in 1948 at Keewaydin grade school. He was always good at every sport, especially at baseball. Our group was at the park constantly playing some type of game.
He later became a very good professional golfer and golf instructor.
He was a great friend and he will be missed.
Ron Naslund
Howard Engnell
I only recently got to know Billy as a friend through our semi-weekly RHS Classmates and Friends Bible study/prayer group meetings
at the Richfield VFW on Monday mornings. He was a gentle man. Thank you Faith Erickson/Katz for faithfully supporting him, especially in recent months.
Howard Engnell
Faith Ericksen (Kanz)
Billy and I picked up our relationship shortly after 50th Roosevelt reunion. He was sweet..strong..kind..very handsome..generous..fun loving..wholesome..loved our Lord Jesus..and very much a gentleman. Since our meeting again we have traveled..sang at karaoke (BTW) Billy sounded just like Dean Martin..we laughed and we cried together. Life had meaning when Billy and I were together. The last twelve years with him brought many many memories of us..to cherish. We met in kindergarten..went all the way through our senior year together. We both went to Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church and we were confirmed together. Never will I forget Billy. I miss you my sweet Billy.
Thomas Mosher
I just learned about Billy's stomach cancer a couple of weeks ago when we talked on the telephone and I got to talk to him and his daughter Katie just a few days before he past away. I'm really grateful I got a chance to say goodbye. I have so many good memories of our time together, playing golf, working together at some oddball temporary jobs and enjoying hanging out together. He was a terrific person, fun to be around, good with people and he got better at his best traits through the years. I'm going to really miss him, condolences to Faith, Katie to all Billy's friends and family.
Linda Akerson (Towne)
I didn't know Billy well during high school, but reconnected at a reunion. He was such a joy to communicate with and I loved the photos he posted of his darling granddaughter. I'm so happy that he and Faith connected in later years and had a good time as companions. He was a good one!! My deepest sympathy to his family and Faith.
Linda Akerson Towne
Philip Hafvenstein
I spoke with Billy soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. He was still processing the doctor’s prognosis, and figuring out how he could do all he wanted to – especially with his daughter, Katie, and his granddaughter. There was no anger or self-pity, just acceptance and the desire to get things done.
I know Billy loved the Lord. But being Billy, he could also overthink getting to heaven. Or as Billy might say, “What are the odds?” That’s easy – for Billy it’s a sure bet!
Dennis Dvorak
I saw Bill at the our 80th Birthday Party event in August. He appeared to be struggling and yet engaged in
converstion with our classmates. We all have individual memories of Bill and send our sympathy to his
family and close friends.
David Mona
Abpuit five years ago serious talks began about shutting down Hiawatha Golf Course. Not wanting to miss our last chance to play, Denny Hoff, Ron Naslund, Bill and I played a fall round. We did it for four years, missing only this year. The rounds were played with lousy golf, but great stories. We shared memories of favorite teachers, friends and teammates. Bill was a fun classmate and a huge Roosevelt booster. He'll be missed and we may need to look for another memberr of our golf group. Skill no longer a requirement.