"Dear Betty and children, Bill was a wonderful person. He and Betty were sponsors at Jack?s and my wedding. I was so happy to have them come to Florida and have his famil to celebrate with us.. I know he had a good life, married to the love of his life and enjoyed his family so much Colleen Brever"
In loving memory of
William Lee Coons
December 25, 1931 - March 10, 2023
William Lee Coons, 91, of Rochester, MN passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 at Saint Mary's surrounded by loved ones.
William was born on December 25, 1931 in Barnesville, MN. He lived in Illinois and Minnesota until he joined the United States Army. He served for 5 years earning the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and two overseas service bars. Bill attended Dunwoody College of Technology and began his career as a Draftsman. He later became Olmsted County Assessor, an accomplishment he was very proud of.
He wed the love of his life on the Fourth of July 1953, Elizabeth Marie Brever. Bill and Betty spent more than 69 wonderful years together. Blessed with 7 children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Thousands of memories, too many blessings to count.
Bill loved spending time with family and friends. Camping, boating, storytelling, woodworking, traveling and living life to the fullest. He never met a stranger, he made sure everyone felt like a friend.
He is preceded in death by his two sons Bruce Lee Coons and Brian Keith Coons.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Becky (Jeff) Brand, Brenda (Dan) Coons-Paddock, Barbara (Bruce) Phelps, Bradley (Brenda) Coons, and Beth Coons; grandchildren, Briana, Jacob, Lea, Cody, Danielle, Jessica, Jennifer, Randi, Tyler, Justin, Micayla, and Sophia.
A Memorial Service will be at 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl. NW, Rochester, MN 55901). There will be a reception immediately following the service. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Coons family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com (http://www.ranfranzandvinefh.com/)
Tributes
"He was one of a kind. You left us with so many great memories. Good by my friend. "
"What a good man. God bless his soul."
"I?ll never forget this soft spoken man, he loved his family, church and community. I thank God for all the great times we had together whether it was finishing up a church project or sharing that last cold beer, he enjoyed giving of his time and developing friendships. Farewell my friend, The Pax Pioneers will miss you dearly. Jim Hines"
"My Dear and Sweet Uncle, I never got to visit you enough after the passing of grandma (your mom) the the last time I saw you was truly a surprise for you. You gained a extra daughter for a short visit. It was amazing and something I will never forget. I love you and will miss you. To the the family, he is at peace now and with his parents and brothers and children. His heart is big and he will be guiding us all. Thoughts and prayers everyone. Wish I could be there. Love Janet"