William (Bill) Dennis Kish

life story

"Worth More Than Many Sparrows...acknowledged before the angels of God"

Luke 12:6-8 (NIV) “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.”

Bill: A Life Unconditionally Loved

William “Bill” Dennis Kish, of Mound, MN, died Jan. 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice…Care. He was born Nov. 23, 1951, to William and Doris Kish in Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Bethany College of Missions, he spent many years as a missionary in Pakistan and Afghanistan, worked with an NGO in Afghanistan and later as a translator for Special Forces in Afghanistan. Bill served a number of years with Bethany Press International. He is survived by daughter, Theresa Langworthy (Marc); son, Brian; Sherri Kish; sister-in-law, Denise; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, 3:00PM, at Hope Church of Coon Lake, 18323 Lexington Ave NE, Columbus MN 55092.

Friends who knew Bill well knew him to be a gifted photographer; and knew him to be at his best relating stories of his youth, his deep affection for the people he served in Afghanistan and Pakistan, his love and appreciation for his family while knowing he lacked in many ways toward them, something he felt keenly even in all his relationships. He had a heart for God and His Word and was avid about sharing his love of Jesus in word and deed; he knew the power of prayer and held fast even in the midst of those yet unanswered, knowing God is always working on behalf of those prayers. Jesus was his all in all. His heart’s desire was to be just like Jesus.

And then there was the side of Bill we equally adored…he was a master of pranking, and it came so naturally to him, nothing he had to hone or study…it just came out to surprise and startle those who were the costars, the recipients, of his imaginative play, his mini dramas…he was well-known for numerous episodes in the workplace, nothing too out of bounds, just enough to provoke the anticipated reaction of shock and awe and then to realize in return to some degree the favor of a retaliation…he was the initiator of much fun and laughter.

He was loved well, and he loved deeply, exceptionally kind, helpful and charitable. Bill knew the meaning and experience of the joy of his Lord even in the midst of his very difficult last days following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, as the name of Jesus was on his lips and then in his heart when words were no longer forthcoming. He was well prepared to meet and be welcomed home by his Creator.

memorial service

Hope Church of Coon Lake

February 22, 2026

A light supper and time of fellowship will follow the service that begins at 3:00PM CST

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services