William Henry Loomis

About Bill

William Henry Loomis, 80, of Laporte, MN, formerly of New Mexico, died June 12, 2023, at his home in Laporte.

William (Bill) was born to Charles and Alice (Henry) Loomis on February 10, 1943 in Forest View, Illinois. He attended high school in Orono, MN.

As a Boy Scout, he led canoe trips in the Boundary Waters where he jumped from a canoe and rode a moose. Beginning in 1962, he served four years as a US Navy Seaman Third Class. His ship played a key role in the Cuban Blockade during the missile crisis in 1962 and afterwards provided (hurricane) Relief Operations in the Dominican Republic. He spent two more years in the Reserve.

He married the mother of his three daughters in 1963.

He returned to Minnesota after his honorable discharge. He mostly worked in some form of construction beginning with carpentry with his brother-in-law Jack Ebert and then as an iron worker in the Twin Cities.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Bill helped build many bridges, schools, and other buildings in the area. He was a Boy Scout Leader and a member of the Delano Post 377 of the American Legion.

Around the time of his divorce in 1976, Bill moved to Aztec, New Mexico and then settled in the nearby community of Flora Vista. For many years, he continued to work iron on local power plants and other structures.

His interest was piqued when a swarm of bees occupied a hole in a rock on his hillside. He learned everything he could about them and began to build his colonies. His honey was extremely popular and sold under the name “The Branded Bee” at the local flea market, health food stores, and home. His numerous customers became friends.

Bill was proud of his daughters and enjoyed his grandchildren. He loved to travel to visit their homes in Washington State and Minnesota. Always thinking of them, he collected every state quarter he could to create a complete set for each grandchild. He was delighted when the great grandchildren arrived.

Towards the end of his life, Bill moved back to Minnesota to live with his daughter in Guthrie. There, he enjoyed visits with family, occasional afternoons fishing, and his attendance at the Guthrie Community Bible Church.

Through it all, he shared his love for the trees, birds, stars, and rocks around him. Other hobbies included reading, archery and rifle hunting and reloading.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his daughters: Laura (James) Pate of Aztec, NM, Christine (Kevin) Jessen in Guthrie, MN, and Colleen (Steve) Guck of Garrison, MN. Grandchildren include Rebecca (& Tom) Hannam, Nicholas Ostrye, Tyler (& Nikki) Jessen, and Nathan Ostrye. Great grandchildren Amelia, Marie, and Leo brought him great joy. His sister Joyce Ebert and brother Frank (Spike) Munro will also miss him greatly. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and family in Christ will also fondly remember him.

Many loved ones preceded him in death including his parents, brothers Ron Munro and Jim Munro, and sister Ruth Canaday.

The family is especially grateful for the care provided by the wonderful hospice nurses and Dr. Human.

memorial service

Memorial Services for William

June 22, 2023

Location: Guthrie Community Church in Guthrie, MN. There will be a visitation an hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in the Shell City Cemetery near Menahga, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home