William J. (Bill) Oxton

A long life well-lived

William Jerome Oxton died peacefully July 5, 2026 in hospice care at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. He was born on September 21, 1928 near Finley, ND to parents John and Mabel (Olson) Oxton and was raised on the family farm with 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

A veteran of the Korean war, Bill served in a machine gun squad in the Army. After returning home, he married his sweetheart, Annette (Nelson) in 1953. He then utilized the G.I. bill to earn a business degree at the University of Minnesota while Annette worked as a registered nurse.

In 1956, Bill and Annette and their first-born child moved to Janesville, WI where they raised five children. Bill was employed as an accountant for the General Motors company for a number of years until moving on to the position of controller for a musical instrument company. In the 1970's, Bill went back to college part-time to earn an MBA. He continued to work in business management in WI and in Arizona until his retirement. Most recently, Bill and Annette resided in Apple Valley, MN.

Bill was known for his "dad jokes" and friendly, outgoing nature. He loved to tease and share a good laugh. He was a big fan of the MN Lynx, Gopher football and basketball, and his Green Bay Packers.

He enjoyed car shows, playing cards, repairing the dings on his vehicles caused by his children, watching local teams and his grandchildren play sports, and spending time with his ever-growing family.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 73 years, Annette, their children Nancy Oxton (Todd Udenberg), Rick (Josee Bureau), Brad (Sue), and Mary Oxton, his sister Pat Bradehoft, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren (1 on the way), a brother-in-law and several sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by son Daniel, his 4 brothers, Neilan, James, Donald and Rodney, and 4 sisters, Phyllis, Betty, Frances and Marian, many beloved Nelson in-laws, cousins and friends.

BIll has requested burial at Fort Snelling National Cementery with Military Honors being provided by the Memorial Rifle Squad.

memorial service

Honor guard ceremony

August 24, 2026

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA

Take Gate 2, Funeral Entrance, off 34th Avenue. Please plan to arrive at Assembly Area #3 by 9:20 am. Remain in your vehicle. Cemetery staff will then lead the waiting cars in a procession to park near an outdoor pavilion where the ceremony will be held at 9:30.

You are welcome to join us afterwards at Nancy & Todd’s home for refreshments and sharing of memories.