William Joseph Walsh

Walsh, William Joseph

Age 78, of Mora, Minnesota formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27th surrounded by his wife and children.

Born August 12th, 1944 to William and Catherine Walsh in Cicero, Illinois. Bill grew up in Hillside, Illinois, oldest brother to Dan (Carol), Maureen (Tom) Olson and Ellen (Rene) Cajigas. He graduated from St. Mary's University in Minnesota in 1966 then went on to the University of Notre Dame earning his PhD in economics. It was there that he met the love of his life, Betty (Erhardt), while she was attending nearby Indiana University and working at Notre Dame. They married in South Bend, Indiana in 1970. He was offered a position teaching at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and that is where he taught for 43 years. Bill and Betty made their life in St. Paul before retiring to the family cabin in Mora, MN. Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty and their nine children; Kevin (Ann), Kelly (Dave) Vick, Angela (Peter) Barry, Megan (Todd) Parsons, Chris, Matt (Megan), Jon, Brian, and Andrea. Bill has 17 grandchildren he cherished and adored. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ellen and grandchild Addie.

Bill's life was rich with a large extended family, many friends and a commitment to community. He was active in the school and church of Holy Spirit where his children attended and they were parishioners. He used his amazing teaching voice to be a lector at church services and served as a Eucharistic minister. He was on the school board, a member of the men's club, a boy scout leader, and volunteered at almost every event the school and church hosted. He continued his love of community volunteering by joining the lake association at the cabin in Mora. His retirement years have been spent with family, engaging in his love of fishing, spending time on the porch watching the birds and sunsets and stargazing while enjoying the campfire in the yard. Bill made everyone he met feel like an old friend and always made time to share a beer together. He enjoyed his weekly boy's breakfast club with Mora friends and his annual fishing trip with some of his oldest St. Paul friends.

Services for Bill will be held on March 22, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 515 Albert Street St. Paul, MN 55116 at 11:00am. Visitation one hour prior with luncheon to follow the service. Please join us for any or all of the ceremonies.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to The Parkinson's Foundation. You are also encouraged to cheer on Notre Dame football, take a person you love out fishing and share some quality time together in honor of Bill.