William "Bill" John Greer

William “Bill” Greer, 81, of Redwood Falls (father of Holly Weilage and Kelly Robinson) died Sunday, November 6, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, at Seasons in Redwood Falls. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 from St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Birch Coulee Cemetery, rural Franklin. Visitation will be held Friday, from 9 until 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com .

William John Greer, the son of Charles E. and Jennie M. (De Long) Greer, was born March 3, 1930 on the family farm near Elmwood, Wisconsin. Bill was baptized and confirmed at the Rock Elm Methodist Church of Rock Elm, a little neighboring town. He grew up and received his education in Elmwood. Bill went on to earn his degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He began his teaching career with several positions, ultimately moving to Minnesota where the met his sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy M. Loeffler.

Bill and Dorothy were married September 13, 1958. They took up residence in the Twin Cities where they raised their two daughters. Bill continued to teach various elementary school grades until leaving the teaching field and earning his Health and Life Insurance license. Bill was one of very few private insurance brokers in Minnesota at the time; he signed with Blue Cross Blue Shield and many other companies. He enjoyed his job and excelled in sales as he traveled all over Minnesota to service and maintain numerous accounts.

Dorothy suffered a stroke in 1996 and Bill and Dorothy relocated to Redwood Falls in 1997 to be closer to their daughters. Here, they became members of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Bill continued to work for a short time, but his focus shifted as he became full time caretaker of Dorothy, until needing some assistance himself in later years. They lived in their Redwood Falls home until the spring of 2010 when they moved to Parkview Home in Belview. Bill was Dorothy’s devoted husband and constant companion for 51-1/2 years, until her passing in May 2010. Bill continued to live at Parkview. He kept hope alive and never gave up, even in the midst of the July 1st tornado which displaced Parkview’s residents. Bill lived each day with hope that he would soon return to his latest favorite home – Parkview. Instead, he was given the ultimate reward: to return to the best home – our heavenly home!

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was so proud of them, and never missed an opportunity to introduce them to any acquaintance he could! Bill was the most selfless person, except when it came to his beloved Green Bay Packers. Watching a game would always be his first pick on the “to-do” list! Bill also looked forward to each spring, when the Minnesota Twins team – full of new potential – would emerge. He faithfully followed the college football seasons, and paid close attention to the Wisconsin Badgers. Besides sports, another passion was music. Bill loved to listen to polkas and waltzes – and he kept an amazing collection of Christmas music. His Christmas spirit was ever-present each winter, as he enjoyed decorating his home with family and playing his holiday record collection throughout the season.

Bill was an avid conversationalist who enjoyed visiting with anyone, especially his dedicated caregivers at Parkview Home. He loved to keep them updated on the scores of his favorite teams. Bill will be remembered most for his great sense of humor, a major part of his personality that would always shine through. He would recall and share a joke to shift the focus off of his troubles, and to make light of any situation. He was a humorist and a story teller – with thousands of life’s adventures to share. Bill lived his life with pride and determination, never focusing on what he could not do, but on what he could – in whatever way got the job done!

Bill is survived by his daughters Holly (Terry) Weilage of rural Morton, and Kelly (Tom) Robinson of rural Franklin; grandchildren Michael Weilage and fiancé Karisa, Bryan Creamer, Jeffrey Weilage and special friend Holly, Sydney Bladon, Blake Weilage, Abbey Weilage, Sam Robinson, and Cara Joy Robinson; and sister June Swenson of Mesa, Arizona. He was reunited for eternity with his parents, his wife Dorothy, his grandson Carl Robinson, his brother Henry, and his sister Marjorie.

Blessed be his memory.