William Joseph Holton, 77, of Albert Lea, was born on May 17, 1935, in Carimona Township, Fillmore County, the son of William D. and Lois G. (Hendershot) Holton.

He graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1954. Bill served the country in the U.S. Air Force, entering in Austin in 1955. He received training to be a crypto graphic operator in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. While in the service he was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he enjoyed playing basketball and was shortstop on the Air Force All Star baseball team. He played in the Far East Baseball Tournament in Japan before being honorably discharged as airman first class in California in 1959. He returned from the service to live in Austin, moving to Albert Lea in 1965. On Dec. 9, 1968, Bill married Joann Grant.

Bill worked as a lineman foreman for Freeborn-Mower Cooperative from 1962 until retiring after 35 years in 1997.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and a former member of the Moose.

Bill was very much a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed ice and summer fishing, golf and played softball for the Albert Lea Moose Club.

He spent many hours researching historical events and places, and enjoyed playing games on his computer.

He took much pleasure in the fun and companionship of Gracie, his 17-year-old cockatiel.

Bill died peacefully at his home on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, with loved ones at his side.

He is survived by his wife Joann Holton of Albert Lea, daughter Jean Reed and her husband John Mahlke of Rochester, son Michael Holton and his wife Sara also of Rochester.

He was blessed with granddaughter Alyssa Beth Reed and great-granddaughter Aubrey Jean Reed of Rochester; sister Joan Reinhart and her husband Bob of Austin, Texas, sister-in-law Norma Holton of Owatonna; aunt Frances Gilbert of Ostrander; nieces and nephews: Cindy Holton McKittrick and her husband Mark of Milan, Ill., Chris Holton Johnson of Rochester, Ricky Holton and his wife Cindy of Owensboro, Ken., Traci Holton Langstaff of Owatonna, Steve Reinhart and his wife Kathy of Austin, Texas, Sandy Reinhart Toft and her husband Andy of Rockdell, and many cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Bill very much enjoyed the kindness and friendship of longtime neighbors Bob and Marlene Kirsch and friend Sally Fadden and her family of Albert Lea.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lois Holton, his brother Richard Holton and his sister Jean Holton.

At Bill’s request, there are no services scheduled. His family will have a private time of remembering. The many treasured memories of Bill will never be forgotten.

A special thank you to Mayo Clinic Health System’s hospice of Albert Lea, friends and staff from St. John’s Sheltering Arms and Morning Star home health providers Peggy and Sherry.

Memorials suggested to Mayo Clinic Health System hospice or Sheltering Arms of St. John’s Lutheran Home.