William James Taft Sr.

Taft William James Taft, Sr., age 79, passed away on March 21, 2005. Born in Minneapolis to Augustus & Genevieve on Oct. 2, 1925. Preceded in death by sister, Helen (1935); wife, Barbara (1986); brother, Robert (2004) and his wife, Janie (1998). Survived by children, William Jr., John (Mary), Patricia (Michael) Carnis and Peter (Patricia); grandchildren, Celeste (Chad) Wiederholt, William III, James, Jennifer, Charlie, Anna, Steven, Joel Taft, Michael Carnis II and Kristina Carnis; great- grandson, Nicholas Wiederholt; brother, John & his wife Helen; brother-in-law, Philip & his wife Dolores Lind and several nieces & nephews; special cousin, Sunny Mathison. Served in the United States Navy as Seaman First Class USNR from July 1, 1943 to May 21, 1945. Employed at Cargill 16 years and Unisys 18 years. Worked part-time at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church from 1986 to 2004. Graduate University of Minnesota School of Business. Active and alumni member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Fraternity, served as Active Chapter Treasurer, Vice President, President and Alumni Chapter President. Also was District Director for the State of Minnesota overseeing college chapters at Minnesota, Hamline, St. Thomas and Gustavus Adolphus. Served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association. President of the School Board and member Holy Name Society at Christ the King Catholic Church. President of Southwest Hockey Association. Member Minneapolis Richfield American Legion Post. Mass of Celebration Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes, One Lourdes Place, Minneapolis (612-379-2259). No reviewal. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. First Memorial-Waterston Chapel 612-825-4567