Willis Sautbine

Willis "Bill" Sautbine, age 86, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health System Hospital, on Thursday, March 24. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at the Church of Christ, Staples, Minnesota, with Pastor Barry Klein officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services at the church. Internment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.

Bill was born on January 11, 1925 in Staples, Minnesota, to Todd and Violet (Crabtree) Sautbine. He attended North Side School and graduated with the class of 1942. After school, Bill worked in Seattle for Boeing, and then later at a shipyard. He served in the Navy from 1943-1946 as a Radioman aboard the attack transport USS President Jackson.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Bill returned to Staples and worked as a Telegrapher for Northern Pacific Railroad for one year. Later, he worked for KWAD as an announcer. While back at home, Bill took flying lessons at the Staples airport and earned his Private Flying License in 1948.

Bill married June Ellis in 1951, and they moved back to Washington where he owned a Radio Repair Shop.

Bill and June moved to Waterville, MN in 1954 where he attended Mankato State College, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts & Physics. He taught Shop and Science for the next eleven years, leaving teaching to start a new business in Waterville and Mankato. He retired in 1987.

In retirement, Bill returned to his love of flying, as well as hunting, fishing and golfing.
After June's death in 2001, Bill also added a new hobby of Karaoke. He enjoyed visiting various locations as he shared his love of music with others.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, June, his parents, and one sister, Donna.
He is survived by many cousins, one nephew, and two nieces.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home of Staples, Minnesota.