William W. Roach, 79

Published 7:01 am Sunday, November 13, 2016

William Wall Roach, 79 of Mendota Heights, Minnesota and formerly of Austin, Minnesota died peacefully on Nov. 4, 2016.

Roach

Bill grew up in Austin an army kid and in the Hormel family. He and his three brothers had a mischievous side they unleashed upon Austin and during summers in Wabasha, Minnesota. He played football and baseball, going to state playoffs. He graduated from Luther College and played linebacker and end and sang in the choir. He also served in the Army reserves.

He met the love of his life, Kathy, in Austin. They married and moved to Boise, Idaho where their sons were born and they adopted their dog, Trouble. The family returned to Minnesota, settling in Mendota Heights for 43 years.

Bill’s career in sales meant travel around the Twin Cities, Duluth and St. Cloud, Minnesota. He navigated better than Google Maps. Bill coached youth baseball and football, helped with Meals on Wheels, and was active at Hennepin United Methodist and Koinonia camp. He loved music and the performing arts, attending or ushering at Ordway and other theaters. Side by side with Kathy, Bill created beautiful gardens and hosted wonderful dinner parties. He was a friendly, outgoing fellow who would know you by the end of an elevator ride. Bill reveled in all the grandchildren’s concerts and activities. He was wonderful, interesting and we loved him because he’s just our Bill.

William is survived by wife of 53 years, Kathryn, sons Will (Lisa Schwartz) Roach, Wally (Nancy), Kevin (Mona); five grandchildren Steven, Katie, Amy, Sam, Jack. Brother Chuck (Ginny), Kathleen Roach; many dear friends, many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Roy and Esther, brothers Rob and David (Mary), parents-in-law Art and Florence Ruen.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2017 at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Consider honoring his memory by donating blood or other contribution to the American Red Cross.