In Memory of William "Bill" Kees
William R. "Bill" Kees, age 75, of Hudson died surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning, December 22, 2010 at The Gathering at Boutwell’s Landing in Stillwater. He was the son of Theone Irene (Rustad) Kees and William Howard Kees. Bill was born on May 28, 1935 in rural Durand, Wisconsin and attended country schools and Durand High School. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1957 with a major in chemistry. Bill then completed Navy Officer Candidate School Newport, R.I. and served on active duty until late 1962. In 1958-59 he was stationed in grand Turks, British West Indies. Later he was stationed in Bermuda 1959-1962 at the naval base. He continued in the naval reserves and retired with the rank of commander.

Zona Kathleen Simcox and Bill were united in marriage on August 15, 1959 in Rush City, Minnesota and have three children; Colleen Elizabeth Bowers (Steve) of Hudson, William Dean (Mary) of Brookings, South Dakota, and Sally Ann Hermann (Lance) of Hudson. There are six grandchildren and one great-grandson. Bill is also survived by his mother Theone and nine siblings: Sally Weisenbeck (Charles) of Durand, WI, Nancy Johnson of Eau Claire, WI, John (Beverly)of River Falls, WI, Curtis (Jenny) of Osceola, WI, Lowell (Mary) of River Falls, Roberta Bauer (Rod) of Birchwood, WI, Robert (Helen) of Durand, Candace Harris (Tom) of Eleva, WI and Bruce of Durand.

Bill started with 3M St. Paul in 1962 and supported manufacturing operations. He transferred to 3M New Ulm in 1972 and served as a superintendent. He moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1978 as plant manager and was transferred to St Paul in 1984 as manufacturing director. He continued to serve in this role until his retirement in 1993.

His retirement years were ones of great joy with his family, friends and Bethel Lutheran Church. Zona and Bill spent part of the winter in Tucson and enjoyed the family cabin in Park Rapids, MN. The morning walks with his neighbor Gary and their beloved dogs were special. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, baking and visiting with his five brothers on the family farm.

A funeral service will be held for William on Monday, December 27th at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church 920 Third St. in Hudson. Pastor Dennis Nelson will officiate. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church and on Sunday, December 26th from 5-7 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, 715-386-3725.
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