William Multhaup

WILLIAM J. MULTHAUP

William John Multhaup, age 87, of Rollingstone, MN passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at his home.

Bill was born October 15, 1929, to Milton and Helen (Novak) Multhaup in Chicago, IL and moved with his parents to Winona at a very young age.  He married Leona Elizabeth Meska on November 5, 1949, and shared their happy lives for 67 years.  Bill was a loving and devoted husband to Leona.

Bill and Leona raised their three children, Sue, Jim and Lois in Winona, and was the best role model possible as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and friend. He had a tremendous love for his family and his family had a tremendous love for him. Bill began his career with Mahlke’s Bakery followed by the Winona School District maintenance department. He and Leona then moved to Hermiston, Oregon, for a career advancement as the school district’s Chief Engineer, and also built a home there.  Realizing Minnesota was still home, they returned to where Bill became Chief Engineer at St. Anne Extended Care and built their new home in Rollingstone.

Bill became very supportive in his new community and was actively involved with the Rollingstone Fire Department and was the backbone of the Rollingstone Vikings Fan Club.  Bill was a member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona.

Bill was a very talented woodworker who built countless craft items for family members, friends and organizations. He especially enjoyed designing handcrafted Viking swords in ornate cases which were presented to many prominent Minnesota Viking members, including Bud Grant, who spent a night at Bill and Leona's home. Proceeds of the always sold out dinner banquettes were given to children's organizations.  He was also involved with the annual Dakota Gathering in Winona, and he handcrafted a peace pipe which he presented to the Dakota Nation.  This peace pipe is now housed and on display in the Dakota Room at the Winona City Hall.

He loved football, the outdoors and always had a passion for hunting ducks, deer and fishing with family members and friends. Bill will be remembered for the great stories that he told, and how he had time for everyone, and would do anything for his family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife Leona Multhaup, children Sue (Keith) Tarras of Winona, Jim (Lorraine) Multhaup of Winona, Lois (Gary) Fegre of Stockton, grandchildren Tracy Tarras of Cambridge, Tammi (Jason) Reed of Stockton, Megan (Ryan) Flynn of San Francisco CA: Trevor Multhaup of Winona, Troy Fegre of Winona and four great - grandchildren: Sheridan and Charles Martin, and Jayden and Colten Reed; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Milton and Helen, and his sisters, Dolores and Arlene.

Bill loved his family dearly and his family loved him.  His kind and generous heart endeared him to all those who loved him.  He will truly be missed.

Visitation will be held at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church, 626 West Broadway, Winona, on Monday, March 20, 2017, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.  The Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate.

Bill will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Bill’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.