William Souther

William Roosevelt Souther (1926-2018), age 92 of Crosslake, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 9th at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Bill had resided at Guardian Angels by The Lake Assisted Living in Elk River Since October, 2013. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, August 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Home in Crosslake, MN with visitation from 1:30 to 2:00. A luncheon will follow the service.

Bill was born to William and Thelma (Holmes) Souther on June 29th, 1926 in St. Paul, MN. He grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Wilson High School in 1944. Bill joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and was discharged in 1946. He then enrolled at Hamline University and graduated in 1950 with an education degree.

On June 10, 1950 at Hamline Methodist Church in St. Paul, Bill married Colleen Lenore "Susie" Wilmar. Together they raised their three children in Roseville, MN and spent summers on the Whitefish chain in Crosslake. After a three-year teaching career, Bill spent the next 27 years with Mutual Service Insurance Co. After retirement, he and Susie moved to Crosslake where they owned a woman's clothing store for the 13 years. Bill enjoyed an active lifestyle that included tennis, running, water-skiing and hiking. Bill and Suzie loved Sedona, AZ and spent 25 winters there.

Bill is survived by sons Bill (Liz) Souther of North Branch, MN, Steve (Sue) Souther of Big Lake, MN and Greg Souther of Crosslake, MN; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his sister Joy McCleary and his sister-in-law Shirley Souther and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Susie, brother Bob and his parents, Bill and Thelma.

Bill's family wishes to give heart-felt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Guardian Angels By The Lake in Elk River.