William Kirkpatrick Obituary

Name: Memorial service for William Kirkpatrick
Start: 2024-08-12T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-08-12T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Church of St. Thomas the Apostle (Mpls)

William Kirkpatrick

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - William "Billy" Kirkpatrick, 57, left on his next great adventure on July 26, 2024. Born April 1, 1967 in La Crosse, WI to Bill and Jane (Arnold) Kirkpatrick, he grew up with a love for sailing, skiing, and traveling, passions that only grew stronger as he grew older. After graduating from Central High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin and received his degree in political science. Throughout his life, he was always eager to discuss politics, current events and why the Packers and the Badgers had the better teams.

After college, Billy relocated to Minneapolis where he met and married his wife of 31 years, Susan Young. Together, they raised children Ellie and Will, and filled their home with family, friends, laughter and love.

In 2001, Billy flexed his entrepreneurial muscles and started Big Blue Boxes/ Portable Storage of MN. He grew the company to a team of over 100, and established a reputation for exceptional customer service and integrity. Billy fostered a family-oriented culture which was enhanced by his vision, generosity and enthusiasm.

Billy had a deep love of country. He never knew his Uncle William Tamm Arnold, a Navy pilot who went MIA in Vietnam, but recognition of that sacrifice led him to endow a scholarship for qualified ROTC candidates at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the alma mater they both shared.

Billy is survived by his beloved Susan, Ellen and Will, all of Minneapolis. Also survived by his parents: Bill and Jane (Green Valley, AZ); sister, Kirstin (Joel) (Fort Collins, CO); aunt, Judy (La Crosse, WI ); and many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

To leave condolences, please visit legacy.com/funeral-homes/minnesota/Edina.

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Published by La Crosse Tribune on Aug. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Kirkpatrick

10 Entries

Steve Rewey

August 25, 2024

Billy- you were my best friend. I thought we would grow old together. I miss you so much. Say hi to my dad. And now you know what happened to your uncle in Vietnam..

Jerry Kirchoff

August 9, 2024

I am deeply saddened to learn of Bill´s passing. He and I were good friends in high school, having lockers next to each other all 4 years, both playing trumpet in the marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble (he was a much much better trumpet than I could ever have hoped to be). Having a birthday on April 1st, Bill was always the target of fun pranks to help him celebrate every year! He had an infectious laugh and a (sometimes) mischievous personality. The picture I´ve attached was of me, Bill and Pete Lynch (Bjerkaas) L-R, taken in 1984. I considered us the Three Musketeers in many respects. Last time Bill and I spent time together was when he was a freshman at UW. I regret not knowing of his many great accomplishments the past 35+ years. My deepest condolences to Susan, Ellen, Will, his Mom and Dad, Kristin and all who knew and loved him.

Brent Larson

August 9, 2024

Mary and I are saddened by the loss of Bill. He was a joy to have in class and his sense of humor is a memory of mine. Condolences to your family. Brent Larson.

Mark Stone, President UW NROTC Alumni Assn

August 6, 2024

Bill and I are not personally acquainted, however as President of the UW NROTC Alumi Association I can certainly attest to his love of country and his love of the US Navy. Bill endowed an award for a graduating Midshipman that included a ceremonial sword and a generous cash award in honor of his Uncle, CDR W. T. Arnold who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1966. His uncle would be very proud of Bill and so are we.

Aru (Anthony) Armstrong

August 5, 2024

Bill and I didn't know each other personally. From 2006 onward, I was race crew on Harriet so of course we chatted once in awhile. He was always extremely friendly to me and went out of his way to make me feel comfortable.

Peter Lynch (Bjerkaas)

August 5, 2024

Sad to hear of Bill's passing. Good memories of High School Band and Bill's silliness and sense of humor.

Morgan Shields

August 3, 2024

So sorry to hear of William's passing, I will always have fond memories of ski racing with William and the rest of the Kirkpatrick family. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Carmen & Chuck Gustafson

August 3, 2024

We were very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. We only knew him as a very young child and our son graduated from Central with him. Jane and I used to share babysitting services when our sons were less than a year old. It is so difficult to lose someone so young. God's blessings on all of you as journey through your grief and share your many memories.

Mimi and John King

August 2, 2024

I remember meeting Bill and Susan at Mary´s house. Buckey was staying with Mary and so was Franny. They got along famously and we were all part of the neighborhood, from the Lake to The Harriet Brasserie... He was a kind and thoughtful man. His spirit will be missed. Sail into the Sunset friend....