William “Bill†Joseph Cole was born August 8, 1945, in Redwood Falls to Edgar and Margaret (Ruder) Cole. Bill grew up in Redwood Falls and graduated from Redwood Falls High School, where he was very involved in sports. He attended Mankato State for a couple years before entering the Army Reserves. Bill was united in marriage to Karen Manion on August 5, 1967 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. The couple moved to Marshall in 1969, where Bill managed the music store. Bill worked as the sales manager for KMHL Radio and had a morning show with Dick Lusk. After retiring from Banker’s Equipment after a long career in sales, Bill worked the early morning shift at the Hy-Vee C-Store.
Bill enjoyed camping, as well as going to the lake and on cruises with his family. In his spare time, he could be found gardening, watching birds, and playing with pets. Bill was very involved in Holy Redeemer Church, serving on the Bingo, Welcome, and Finance committees. He was also active in the community, serving as a JCI Senator/ National Director, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Department, Chair of the Library Board, Hospital Board Chair, Chair of Lyon County Commissioner, member of the Planning Commission, and a host of the Community Access Channel. He also was a member of Toastmasters, Ducks Unlimited, the Mustang Booster Club, and the Lyon County Residential Facility Board.
Bill died Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at the Prairie Home Hospice McLaughlin House in Marshall. He is survived by his wife Karen of Marshall; children Kim (Brian Boero) Cole of Oakland, CA, Kelly (Jeff) Wallis of South St. Paul, and Sean (Tanya) Cole of St. Paul; grandchildren Clara Boero, Alex and Max Wallis, and Erin Cole; siblings Jack Cole, Tom Cole, Jean Pharis, and Don Cole; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister Margaret Corn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Avera Cancer Center, Avera Hospice, or Prairie Home Hospice and Community Care.
