William E. Redding Jr., 75

Bill Redding, age 75 of Hopkins, MN died on Friday, March 22, 2024 peacefully at his home. He was born in Jackson, MI, the son of William & Priscilla Redding. Bill attended multiple schools. Banfield, Austin, MN; Judson, Paradise, AZ; St John’s, Austin, MN; Manitowoc Lutheran HS, Manitowoc, WI; Mayer Lutheran HS, Mayer, MN; Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI; and Austin Area Vocational School where he received a degree in offset printing. After a career in offset printing Bill owned and operated Redding Photo and Lab in Wausau, WI. He continued his career in the photo and electronics departments of Montgomery Wards, Kmart and Walmart in MN. Last year he celebrated 25 years at the Eden Prairie, MN Walmart where he averaged 5 miles of walking a day, including the day he passed. In 1971 Bill was awarded the Merritt Award for Fine Arts and had his oil painting displayed at the Albert Lea, MN library. He also won multiple awards for photography at the many photo clubs he belonged to. In addition to the arts, Bill belonged to the Twin Cities Ancient Coin Club where he honed his love of history and Roman artifacts. He had a vast knowledge of philosophy, religion, politics, WW II, and all things camera, specializing in Leica. Bill’s favorite moments were those spent with family and friends where he could always be found with a camera or video camera, or both, around his neck. He believed strongly that his gift of photos would leave a lasting legacy of shared moments. His greatest joy was realized when he was given the opportunity to be a father and help raise his friend Liz’s daughter, Ashley. Although often quiet he was always waiting to help anyone in need. He loved sharing his passions of history and photography, including the film “A Simple Twist of Fate” and music by the Cowsills. He followed the Vikings and Twins closely and never missed an opportunity to eat cheese curds at the MN State Fair or visit the historical buildings at the Mower County Fair. Favorite memories of his were owning a motorcycle and riding the train down Oakland Ave in Austin, MN. His kind and gentle ways will live on in the lives he touched. His perseverance of surviving three types of cancer without complaint will continue to inspire those he knew. He has left behind his photos and movies, memories of his keen sense of humor, and a large collection of collectibles, and a lasting memory of what it means to always strive to help others while hurting no one. He was a good and kind man. Survivors include his siblings, Ann Bowman (Hollandale, MN), Mary Munkholm (Sarasota, FL), Tony (Ann) Redding (Mpls, MN), Kathy Parada (Tucson, AZ); numerous nieces and nephews; friend Liz Rosch (Bloomington, Mn), daughter Ashley Rosch (Shakopee, MN) & granddaughter Jaelyn Appel. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and aunt Margaret Means. Memorials preferred to create a college fund for granddaughter Jaelyn (send to 400 21 ST SW, Austin, MN 55912). Memorial service will be Sunday April 7 at 3 pm, with visitation one hour prior, officiated by Anthony J Del Precious at:

www.Washburn-McReavy.com

400 Mainstreet, Hopkins