William W. "Bill" Putnam

Obituary

William W. ""Bill' Putnam, 86, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Sunday, January 9, 2005 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. William W. Putnam was born in Pleasenton, Iowa to Clellie and Mollie (Clampitt) Putnam on January 20, 1918. Bill attended school in Spencer, Iowa and graduated from Mitchell, South Dakota High School in 1938. On August 31, 1941 he married Clara M. Lantgen of Watertown, South Dakota. In May, 1942 he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii until September of 1945. William and Clara settled in Watertown, where he was employed by Mobil Oil Co., until he was transferred to Grand Forks in 1955. In 1960 Bill started Banner Construction. In 1965 the company merged with Eisenzimmers and Valley Park Estate. Years later Bill bought out the real estate company. He retired in 1980. Bill believed in giving back to the community. He was active in the Elks, VFW, and DAV. He sat on many boards, both city and state. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and the Home Builders Association. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clara, Grand Forks; three children, Bill (Marsha) Putnam, Naples, Florida, Pat (Jim) Broten, Dazey, North Dakota, and Kasie Putnam, Grand Forks; 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; a brother, Jim Putnam, Billings, Montana; many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a granddaughter. Mass of Christian Burial: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2005 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 1018 18th Ave. South, Grand Forks. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Tuesday in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd St., Grand Forks, and for the hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Grand Forks. Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.