William Lavern "Bill" Land

William Lavern "Bill" Land obituary

William Lavern "Bill" Land

William Land Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 17 to Sep. 20, 2009.
Land, William Lavern "Bill" age 83, of Fridley. Loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, died peacefully on Sept. 14th. Preceded in death by parents, Jacob and Margaret Land. Survived by wife, Marlene; children, Jeffrey (Melissa) Land, Valerie Riverdahl, Christopher (Katherine) Land; grandchildren, Julie (Ken) Iverson, Maureen Riverdahl, Jennifer Land; Christian, Molly and Billy Land; many great-grandchildren. After graduation from Columbia Heights High School, he enlisted in the Army and served proudly in WWII in the South Pacific. After leaving the Army he received his Bachelor's degree from the U of M. He taught grade school for the City of Mpls at Waite Park. He also served his community as a Councilman for the City of Columbia Heights for 12 years. He enjoyed spending time planting "pink" petunias, being at the cabin and retirement years in Florida with family and friends. Memorials preferred to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780. Donations at michaeljfox.org or 1-800-708-7644. Funeral service Monday 10:30 AM at Washburn-McReavy Columbia Heights Chapel. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 4-8 PM, and one hour prior to service at: Washburn-McReavy Columbia Heights Chapel 763-789-4436 4101 Central Ave. N.E.

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Sign William Land's Guest Book

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April 12, 2018

ireland riverdahl posted to the memorial.

November 20, 2009

Terry Kaczrowski posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2009

Courage Center posted to the memorial.

ireland riverdahl

April 12, 2018

thank you papa, now that im turning seventeen. i was eight years old when you died. 2009. i will always miss you. my mom is a strong woman thanks to you. you are the best great grandpa. i love you..

Terry Kaczrowski

November 20, 2009

I remember dick the rooster, it was his yard stick in the classroom, he was the best teacher at waite park, i will miss him dearly.

Courage Center

October 26, 2009

On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences for the loss of Bill. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Molly Land

October 9, 2009

Its difficult to put into words the thoughts and feelings from the past to the present.The final goodbye is not something that you prepare for.The memory that I have of my Grandpa is that he was a strong man both physically and mentally.He taught me to work hard,to be the best that I could be,and to strive for perfection.Thank you for all of your wisdom.

Lorraine Peterson Soderquist

October 1, 2009

Dear Marlene and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you on your great loss.
May the happy memories sustain you all during this trying time.
He was a special guy and will be long remembered by those of us who knew him.

Lorraine Peterson Soderquist

Kent (Fehlhafer) Reed

September 27, 2009

Just the past week my wife and I were discussing the teachers we remembered from our days in elementary school. The fist name that came to mind was my 5th grade teacher Mr. Land. Bill was a wonder teacher and his class had a reputation of no "funny business". I still remember the lesson on the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen)! It was tumultuous time in the lives of America. The Vietnam war and man on the moon. Rest in peace Mr. Land.

Barbara Kachensky

September 25, 2009

Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Barbara Kachensky

Juanita Reed-Boniface

September 23, 2009

My sympathies to the Land family. Mr. Land was my son's 5th grade teacher at Waite Park School. At the time I was a single mother with an energetic son who needed a positive male role model in his life. I was so happy when he was placed in Mr. Land's class. Bill was a great teacher and
mentor for my son at a critical point in his life.
Juanita Reed-Boniface, mother of Dr. Kent Reed,
Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota.

Julie and Ken Iverson

September 22, 2009

Papa is my wife Julie’s grandfather, and the great-grandfather of our four children, Berit Rose, Bryn Lily, Erik Anders and Annika Iris. Papa has been like a father to Juls and the grandpa I never had. He is a great man that we all look up to and admire. We are proud you served our country, and helped teach so many children.

Juls has shared so many memories of her and Papa with me. One of her favorite stories is when Papa would “dress up” in Florida and put on a skit with the other guys to entertain the ladies.

Papa and I would often sit at the kitchen table and ask Nana for a second helping of ice cream or cake, or other treats. I think it helped us solve the crossword puzzles.

Juls has told me many stories about the cabin as well. Juls is still not sure whether it was going to be an animal or her Papa rustling in the woods. I know Papa sure looked relaxed there watching college football games surrounded by his family.

I hope Berit, Bryn and Erik will always remember their silly Papa. We will pass on the stories to Annika when she is older. You told the girls you would teach them to fish a couple months ago, and I guess it worked based on all the sunnies and crappies they caught. Even Erik helped.

It is hard to imagine going over to Nana and Mom’s house and not seeing Papa weeding the yard.

Nana, Mom, and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We hope knowing that Papa is in a better place watching over you brings you peace. He will always hold a special place in our heart, and we will never forget him and the times we have shared together.

Linda Hansen Regel

September 21, 2009

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Land's passing. He was my 5th grade teacher at Waite Park too. I have vivid memories of our nature trip to Hart Lake, but what I will remember most about Mr. Land is that he was the person who had to tell our class that President Kennedy had by killed. My condolences to your family.

Glenn Engstrom

September 21, 2009

Mr. Land was also my 5th grade teacher. I remember the hike we took around Hart Lake and how he got me started bird watching. We used to color birds with our Crayolas and he put them up around the room. He, Helen Rood, and Mrs Barrett really got me started with science. I was so blessed by all of them. All God's love and care to the family.

Linda Stark

September 19, 2009

Bill was a great neighbor to have during the many winters he and Marlene spent in FL. We missed them both when they decided to sell their home here.

Our hearts are sad. May it comfort you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Julie Ferber

September 19, 2009

Mr. Land was my 5th grade teacher, I really enjoyed his teachings, he was one of my favorite teachers and I thought of him often when I moved on through life. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. With time, your sorrows will heal. May he rest in peace. Thanks Mr. Land!

Patty (Ballot) Smithberger

September 19, 2009

Mr Land was my 5th grade teacher and I have two memories. We also took a field trip but we walked where the old Apache Plaza stood but had not been built yet At Heart Lake we encountered a skunk and he did not want us to distrub and get sprayed. The next memory was when we made a sugar Easter Egg which I took out for years and the scene inside brought back good memories. Also I would drive done 40th street and hoped he would be out so I could say HI now I will wait till we meet in heaven. God comfort your family during the coming weeks.

Scott & Linda Linder

September 19, 2009

Chris Land and Family
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Sandy Murphy

September 18, 2009

Mr. Land was one of my favorite teachers at Waite Park Elementary. I especially remember one field trip. The whole class just hiked to his home on a beautiful fall day. It seemed so far at the time but it was probably just a half mile from the school! And when we got there we had the best chocolate chip cookies! My sympathy to the family for their great loss.

Christian Land

September 17, 2009

William Land, My Grandpa, My hero. Thank you grandpa for all that you have done for me. You taught me how to be strong, what it meant to be a man, to do what has to be done in life, even if it meant picking a 5 gallon bucket full of weeds for five cents. I still remember every Sunday you arm wrestling with me and you telling me that someday that I would beat you. I never got that chance. I'll miss you grandpa. I'll always love you. MY HERO.

September 17, 2009

Bill was a super guy and a joy to be around, I enjoyed his company and his friendship. Even if he knew your name, he called you "pest" that was Bill. He always had that great smile and charm about him that I will cherish. He's been a good guy for the 50 plus years I've known him, but I've got memories that will be with me forever. Thanks Bill for being a friend and mentor to me. I won't forget you.
Steve Christensen Coon Rapids

Patty Muscovitz

September 17, 2009

Bill was a member of the Columbia Heights City Council from 1967 to 1975. Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers, and Staff wish to extend their condolences to his wife and family and thank them for his committed service to the City of Columbia Heights.

September 17, 2009

Bill was a member of the Columbia Heights City Council from 1967 to 1975. Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers, and Staff wish to extend their condolences to his wife and family and thank them for his committed service to the City of Columbia Heights.

william christopher lands

September 17, 2009

alaina anne land

September 17, 2009

izabella mai land

September 17, 2009

maxim kai land

September 17, 2009

william land and his beautiful wife jessica

September 17, 2009

grandpa bills four great grandchildren...max, alaina, bella, billy

September 17, 2009

billy and bella land

September 17, 2009

molly, billy and bella land

September 17, 2009

Captain billy land

william jacob land

September 17, 2009

your always in my heart and memory. I named my first born son after you. your spirit and soul continues to flow trough the heart of my family. Thank you grandpa for all you have taught me.

Bob Monio

September 17, 2009

I always knew him as "Mr. Land" when he taught my 5th Grade class at Waite Park. I have very good memories of those days and the lessons learned are still with me today - he was one of the teachers along with Helen Rood and others that definately shaped my life and career. I know he also knew my mother and father and his flowers were something to behold when we drove by the house. Best wishes to the family at this time - his memory will always be cherished and we'll see him again soon. Take care!

Terri Land,Strehlo

September 17, 2009

I'm so sorry for your loss,my heart felt sorrow goes out to all of you.Bill was the grandfather of my three children,Christian,Molly,and this name sake,William(Billy)Jacob Land.Bill was truly an honest and astute' man.And his "PINK" patunias were an inspiration to this day.I've planted pink patunias for 30 years,and think of Bill every time i do.And when i look into my childrens and grandchildrens eyes,i'm reminded of how blesses I am to have that great man in them.But now this chores are done,he had to go home,back to the LORD,what a wonderful place he must be.All my love,Terri

September 17, 2009

I'm so sorry for your loss,my heart felt sorrow goes out to all of you.Bill was the grandfather of my three children,Christian,Molly,and this name sake,William(Billy)Jacob Land.Bill was truly an honest and astute' man.And his "PINK" patunias were an inspiration to this day.I've planted pink patunias for 30 years,and think of Bill every time i do.And when i look into my childrens and grandchildrens eyes,i'm reminded of how blesses I am to have that great man in them.But now this chores are done,he had to go home,back to the LORD,what a wonderful place he must be.All my love,Terri

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Sign William Land's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 12, 2018

ireland riverdahl posted to the memorial.

November 20, 2009

Terry Kaczrowski posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2009

Courage Center posted to the memorial.