William Harry "Bill" Szlaius

William Harry "Bill" Szlaius of Cottage Grove, MN, formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by the people he loved most and was most proud of in the world, his family and grandchildren.

Born in Harvey, Illinois, on May 4, 1940, Bill grew up with his parents, William G. and Esther (Smuczynski) Szlaius, and his sister, Dianne. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, where he met the love of his life, Mary Freiburger. They moved to Minnesota, married and built a life together rooted in love, hard work, and faith. They raised two children, Catherine and William, who, along with their families, brought Bill tremendous joy.

Bill proudly served six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He lived by the words "once a Marine, always a Marine," a reflection of his lifelong discipline, integrity, and pride in service.

Bill had a successful career with Cenex, where he established friendships that he maintained for the rest of his life. Bill and Mary also built a childcare business together, Woodview Terrace Montessori in Woodbury, where thousands of children took their first steps into learning and discovery under Mary's guidance and Bill's behind the scenes support. Bill handled the business side while taking deep pride in watching Mary grow the school into a cherished part of the community. For decades, Woodview Terrace Montessori shaped the lives of countless families-something Bill and Mary both considered one of their greatest shared accomplishments.

Outside of work, Bill's greatest loves were his family, his faith, and golf-playing it, watching it, and talking about it with anyone who would listen. He was a devout Catholic whose faith anchored his life and brought him peace in his final days. To his grandchildren, he was simply "Papa," a role he embraced with joy and pride.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William G. and Esther Szlaius, and his sister, Dianne Szlaius. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary (Freiburger) Szlaius; children, Catherine (James) McDonnell and William Joseph (Krista) Szlaius; grandchildren, Madeleine, Zachary, and Isabella McDonnell and Anna Szlaius; and step-grandchildren, Veronica, Serena, and William Cavanaugh; each of whom held a special place in his heart. Bill also gained a second family through Mary-her 11 siblings from Dubuque, IA, whom he cared for deeply and loved as his own.